An anti-corruption judicial commission at the Amman Court of First Instance on Wednesday sentenced Walid al-Kurdi, former board chairman and CEO of the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC), to 18 years in prison and a hefty fine of JD191 million.

Al-Kurdi received the sentences after the court found him guilty of misuse of office. With regard to the fine, the court said it is proportionate to the value of the damage Al-Kurdi's corruption and misuse of office inflicted on the company.

Another four JPMC directors were also sentenced to 3-month terms and a fine of JD1,000 each on the charge of negligence. The sentences remain open to appeal before a higher court.