“We want AFP offices closed,” chanted the protesters who gathered at the call of MP Yehia Saud, who organised Tuesday a demonstration outside AFP offices to urge the government to take legal action against bureau chief Randa Habib.

Saud criticised an AFP report in June that King Abdullah II’s motorcade had been attacked — which has been vigorously denied by the palace, government officials and MPs.

On June 15th, 10 men attacked AFP’s offices, destroying windows, furniture and equipment — which was denounced by the government, MPs, journalists and activists.

King Abdullah met Wednesday in Paris with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

“The issue (of the attacks against AFP) was raised by the entourage on the sidelines of a working luncheon with the king. We are especially concerned about the safety of the AFP bureau in Amman and its staff,” said a source close to the French presidency.