Jordanian court sentences three men to death for October Karak church attack

The Jordanian State Security Court sentenced three men to death by hanging for a terrorist attack on a church in the Karak governorate. The court issued the sentences following a trial regarding the October 23, 2026, attack on St. George’s Greek Orthodox church in Hammoud village. The violent incident resulted in nine deaths and 25 injuries.

Convictions and criminal charges

The three convicted individuals consist of two Jordanian brothers and a relative by marriage. According to Al Jazeera, the convictions include committing terrorist attacks resulting in death, weapons offenses, conspiracy to commit terrorist acts, and promoting terrorist organization ideas. One perpetrator was also convicted of providing funds intended to finance terrorist acts. The suspects were arrested three days after the attack occurred following clashes with security forces.

The judicial decision follows a period of investigation into the motives and methods used during the assault. The court's ruling addresses multiple facets of the incident, ranging from the physical violence of the attack to the logistical support provided to the perpetrators. The legal proceedings confirmed that the group engaged in conspiracy and the promotion of terrorist organization ideas to facilitate the violence.

Demographics and national impact

The attack occurred in the Karak governorate, which is home to a significant portion of the Christian minority in Jordan. Jordan's Christian minority population consists of approximately 300,000 people out of a total national population of 11.5 million people. The targeting of a religious site in Hammoud village has had a profound impact on the national landscape.

In response to the incident, King Abdullah II ordered a review of national security procedures for responding to attacks. The King stated that the perpetrators will face the harshest penalties. This review aims to strengthen the state's ability to prevent similar incidents and to protect minority communities within the kingdom.

The security forces were involved in direct clashes with the suspects during the arrest process. These clashes occurred three days after the initial attack on the church. The legal outcome marks the conclusion of the primary judicial process for the three men involved in the Karak governorate incident.

The death sentences reflect the severity of the crimes, which included weapons offenses and the financing of terrorist acts. The Jordanian legal system processed the cases through the State Security Court to address the specific nature of the terrorism-related charges. The incident remains a significant event in the context of Jordan's ongoing efforts to maintain national security and protect its diverse population.

Glossary

• State Security Court — The State Security Court is a court in Amman. It is a venue where trials take place, including those involving terrorism-related charges.
• Karak governorate — The Karak governorate is a region in Jordan. It is home to a significant portion of the Christian minority in the country.