Watch: Thousands of cars impounded in Jordan after coronavirus curfew violations

In a large, empty plot of land in Amman, thousands of cars can be found crammed closely next to each other. These are all vehicles confiscated from people who violated a curfew implemented by the government over two weeks ago to limit the spread of coronavirus.

The kingdom has seen a spike of coronavirus cases since announcing the first early last month, and now has a total of 353 cases with six deaths.

The government announced the curfew after Jordan’s King Abdullah enacted an emergency law that gave Prime Minister Omar Razzaz sweeping powers that restrict civil and political rights.

Read more: Jordan announces 48-hour nationwide coronavirus curfew

Head of Jordan’s traffic department, Salem Shmaseen, said nearly 6,700 cars were impounded since the enactment of the emergency law, and will be held until the end of the crisis.

Tens of thousands of army troops and police have been deployed across the country. Movement has also been banned between governorates and the capital.

The government justified the severe restrictions by saying that many people had flouted calls to stay at home, risking the fast spread of the virus.

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