Protesters Form Pro-Freedom Rally in Amman

Hundreds gathered despite King Abdullah's decision to dissolve parliament

Hundreds of people have begun to gather in the Jordanian capital of Amman for a pro-reform rally, despite King Abdullah's decision to dissolve parliament one day earlier, a move the monarch hoped would head off a large protest.

At least 2,000 police had been deployed for the demonstration which was due to follow the main weekly Muslim prayers.

The rally is being organised by the Islamic Action Front, the Jordanian wing of the Muslim Brotherhood and the country's main opposition group. The group is predicting a turnout of as many 50,000.