In February 2011 , Mjalli joined the government of Marouf al-Bakhit as Justice Minister . The cabinet had been appointed in response to the Jordanian protests . Mjalli was a member of the Ba'ath Party , an opposition party in Jordan , and seen as somewhat to the political left . One week after being appointed , Mjalli was embroiled in controversy when protesters assembled outside his office . The protesters demanded the early release of Ahmed Daqamseh , the perpetrator of the Island of Peace massacre . Mjalli joined the protesters , declaring he was participating in his capacity as Daqamseh 's defence lawyer , which he had earlier been at the trial . He also declared Daqamseh a hero . The incident caused a disturbance in the relations between Israel and Jordan . Jordan 's government dismissed Mjalli 's comments as being his personal comments which did not represent the government 's stance
Island of Peace massacre
Island of Peace massacre
Hussein Mjalli