Jordan Premier Reshuffles Cabinet

Jordanian Prime Minister Maaruf Bakhit reshuffled his cabinet on Saturday as the country faces protests denouncing corruption and demanding general reforms.

King Abdullah II issued a decree approving the first reshuffle of the cabinet, which was formed in February, bringing in nine newcomers, and changing the portfolios of two ministers.

Mazen Saket, who was in charge of political development in the first line-up, became interior minister, replacing Saad Hayel Srur, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

Abdullah Abu Rumman, the head of the press and publication department, was appointed as information minister, replacing Taher Adwan, a veteran journalist, who resigned last month in protest against proposed "restrictive" laws.

Ibrahim Omush and Abdullatif Wreikat were named ministers of justice and health, respectively, after Hussein Mujalli and Yasin Hesban resigned in May over a decision to allow a tycoon convicted of corruption to leave prison for medical treatment in the United States.

Jordanians have been protesting since January to demand political and economic reforms and an end to corruption, and calling for the resignation of the government.