State Security Court sentences three perpetrators to death for Hammoud church attack

The State Security Court issued verdicts on November 15, 2026, regarding the terrorist attack on St. George Orthodox Church in Hammoud, Karak. The court sentenced the three primary perpetrators of the attack to death. The verdict comes following a trial that lasted approximately three weeks from the date of the incident.

Sentencing for the Hammoud attack

The judicial proceedings concluded after the court reviewed the evidence related to the October 23, 2026, attack. The three primary defendants participated in the sentencing session via video link. Two other defendants were present in person during the court session. The court sentenced the fourth and fifth defendants to 6 years of imprisonment each.

The 6-year sentence for the fourth and fifth defendants consists of two 3-year prison terms for separate charges. The charges against these two defendants were amended to firearm possession under Article 11/c of the Firearms and Ammunition Law. The attack on St. George Orthodox Church resulted in 9 fatalities.

Judicial review and legal procedures

The verdicts issued by the State Security Court are subject to mandatory appeal. The Public Prosecutor must appeal the decisions to the Court of Cassation. This legal process ensures that the sentences undergo further judicial review. The trial moved quickly, lasting approximately three weeks from the date of the terrorist attack to the final verdict.

Amer Halsa, the lawyer for the families of the victims, commented on the judicial outcome. "The court's verdict confirms the independence and integrity of the judiciary and its ability to apply the law," Amer Halsa said. The lawyer noted that the families of the victims sought the application of the law rather than revenge.

Details of the church attack

The terrorist attack targeted the St. George Orthodox Church located in the town of Hammoud within the Karak Governorate. The incident on October 23, 2026, caused the deaths of 9 people. The court focused the trial on the specific actions of the five defendants involved in the case.

The legal proceedings addressed the specific charges brought against the group. While the three primary defendants faced the highest penalty, the other two defendants were sentenced for violations of the Firearms and Ammunition Law. The court's decision marks the conclusion of the initial trial phase for the Hammoud church attack.

Glossary

• Karak — Karak is a city in Jordan and the capital of the Karak Governorate. It is situated on a hilltop about 1,000 metres above sea level and is known for the medieval Kerak Castle.
• State Security Court — The State Security Court is a court located in Amman. It is a venue where trials take place and verdicts are issued.
• Hammoud — Hammoud is a town located within the Karak Governorate.
• Court of Cassation — The Court of Cassation is a judicial body to which the Public Prosecutor must appeal decisions. It provides further judicial review for sentences.