Thousands join Jordan protests

Thousands of Jordanian opposition supporters have taken to the streets in the capital Amman, demanding the resignation of the prime minister.

Protesters are angry at rising prices, inflation and unemployment.

About 3,500 activists from the main Islamist opposition group, trade unions and leftist organisations gathered to denounce Prime Minister Samir Rifai’s unpopular policies.

Many were shouting: “Rifai go away, prices are on fire and so are the Jordanians.”

Another 2,000 protesters in cities of Irbid and Karak have made similar calls.

Friday’s rallies mark the third consecutive day of protests in Jordan inspired by anti-government unrest in Tunisia and Egypt.

King Abdullah II has promised some reforms.