Bassem Awadallah is seen being led to court in Amman, Jordan, in 2021. EPA
Bassem Awadallah is seen being led to court in Amman, Jordan, in 2021. EPA
Bassem Awadallah is seen being led to court in Amman, Jordan, in 2021. EPA
Bassem Awadallah is seen being led to court in Amman, Jordan, in 2021. EPA

Jordanian prisoner Bassem Awadallah treated in hospital


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Bassem Awadallah, who is serving a 15-year sentence for sedition in Jordan, was treated in a military hospital for health complications resulting from a three-week hunger strike, his lawyer said in a statement on Monday.

The dual US-Jordanian citizen was reportedly suffering from low blood pressure and low sugar levels, which led to his being taken to hospital for care that included a glucose injection. After treatment, he was returned to prison.

A Jordanian security official stated that Awadallah was discharged from hospital after receiving the "necessary" treatment, saying that he was not on a hunger strike because he has been consuming liquids.

"He was hospitalised at the recommendation of the medical team and later discharged after receiving the necessary treatment," the official said.

"He is now in good condition."

Michael Sullivan, Awadallah's lawyer, said that his client's health was worsening by the day.

Awadallah, a former confidant of King Abdullah II, pleaded not guilty in 2021 to charges of sedition. He was sentenced to 15 years in jail and has since appealed, without success.

A Jordanian security official said that the US consul in Jordan recently visited Awadallah. The US State Department confirmed to The National a visit was made on March 12 and said embassy officials visit "at least monthly".

A State Department representative told The National that it is "closely tracking Bassem Awadallah’s health and well-being".

Mr Sullivan claims that Jordanian officials did not notify Awadallah's family that he had been taken to hospital and that they were told by the US embassy.

The representative said senior department officials and US embassy personnel "remain in contact with the family of Awadallah".

Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

MATCH INFO

Borussia Dortmund 0

Bayern Munich 1 (Kimmich 43')

Man of the match: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

UAE'S%20YOUNG%20GUNS
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme

Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.

The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.

It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.

The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.

Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates

The Book of Collateral Damage

Sinan Antoon

(Yale University Press)

The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo

Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000

Engine: 5.6-litre V8

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm

Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km

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Updated: March 14, 2023, 5:59 AM`