Amman, May 14 (Petra) – Barq Dmour, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Social Development and head of the committee tasked with dissolving the now-defunct “Muslim Brotherhood Group,” warned on Wedesday evening that any assets originally belonging to the group but registered under individual names are considered held in trust. He emphasized that those in possession of such assets must notify the dissolution committee to initiate legal procedures for transferring ownership to the Societies Support Fund, or face legal consequences.
In a statement, Dmour stressed that individuals proven to be in possession of unreported assets tied to the dissolved group may face criminal prosecution under the Jordanian Penal Code. Possible charges include breach of trust, fraud, obstruction of justice, and perjury, among others.
He clarified that, under Article 25 of the Associations Law, the funds of the dissolved group will revert to the Associations Support Fund, given the absence of a clause in the group’s bylaws specifying a different destination for the funds. The Fund, which enjoys both financial and administrative independence, is mandated to support licensed charitable organizations and has the legal authority to own movable and immovable property.
Dmour recalled that the decision to dissolve the group was made in 2020 based on a February 10, 2020 ruling by Jordan’s Court of Cassation, which deemed the group – originally established in 1946 – legally dissolved as of June 16, 1953, in accordance with Article 12 of the Charitable Associations Law No. 36 of 1953.
On August 25, 2020, the Minister of Social Development issued the decision to form the dissolution committee based on Article 11 of the regulations governing association bylaws, and upon a legal opinion from the Legislation and Opinion Bureau affirming the ministry’s jurisdiction.
The committee is legally required to publish the dissolution notice in a local daily newspaper for at least one day at the association’s expense, as well as on the websites of both the Ministry of Social Development and the Associations Registry. The notice invites creditors to submit claims and debtors to declare obligations within one month of publication.
The initial notice was published on December 24, 2020, in two newspapers over three consecutive days. However, new legal developments and information have emerged indicating that certain assets are registered under individual names, prompting the need for a renewed announcement to ensure legal compliance and allow concerned individuals to come forward.
Dmour emphasized that the current notice will remain valid for a month, and ignorance of the announcement will not exempt individuals from legal responsibility. He added that the renewed notice was published today across various media platforms and social media channels.
Anyone in possession of movable or immovable property originally belonging to the dissolved association must report to the committee at the Ministry of Social Development to rectify their legal status.
As for legal proceedings, Dmour said the committee is obligated to refer any information to the Public Prosecutor, with further judicial action and legal classification falling under the jurisdiction of the courts and prosecution authorities.
//Petra// AF
15/05/2025 00:52:11
