Jordan launches probe into journalist’s death

By Laith al-Junaidi

AMMAN

Jordanian authorities have launched an investigation into the death of a journalist, who was found dead north-east of capital Amman.

Sami Maayeteh was found dead in his car in the city of Zarqa on Sunday with gunshot wounds to the head.

“The case has been referred to the prosecutor-general and forensics to determine the cause of death,” police spokesman Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi told Agency on Monday.

Anadolu Agency could not get from Maayeteh’s brother, former information minister Semih Maayeteh.

Local media said the journalist might have committed suicide, but critics cite assassination as the cause of death.

A source close to the case told Anadolu Agency that “suicide might be the cause of death due to pressing financial reasons”.