Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Interior Bassam Talhouni on Sunday said that the "various national issues and challenges we face need to be addressed according to the law as the safety valve that protects us all from any consequences that may occur in the event of violating the law and its provisions".

In his first meeting with administrative rulers and members of Amman governorate's security council, the minister learned firsthand about an ongoing crackdown on racketeers and most wanted persons.

He stressed that the violations that followed last week's parliamentary elections "were dealt with strictly and firmly" and in accordance with the law, noting that security agencies arrested a number of people who engaged in festive firing and seized the firearms used.

The acting minister said persons caught for festive firing and racketeering must not be released on bail but only after his personal approval.

The meeting discussed winter preparations in the capital and the crackdown on panhandling among other public issues.

//Petra// AA