(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, July 2 (Petra) - The Public Prosecution Office continued its investigations into the case of Jordanians, who traveled to perform pilgrimage (Hajj) rituals outside the official Jordanian mission during the current year 2024, which caused the death of 99 pilgrims.
The office announced the number of defendants in the case rose to 54 people so far, 27 of whom were arrested in Jordan's correction and rehabilitation centres.
In a statement to "Petra" Tuesday, the Public Prosecution Office said it banned the travel of 27 defendants, heard 35 witnesses, and decided to shut down 3 companies.
The office added that this move came in accordance with Human Trafficking Prevention Law, according to Article 15 of the same regulation and seized the revenues made under these criminal actions.
The office affirmed that investigations are still "ongoing," adding that a number of companies are still probed in the case.
The statement noted the office will work "intensively" to collect evidence to reach justice, restore rights to their owners, and prevent recurrence of such actions that have caused loss of Jordanian lives, who were defrauded and suffered trafficking.
Earlier last week, the office announced the outcomes of its preliminary investigations in the case and charged 28 suspects with a felony of human trafficking, in accordance with the related laws in force.

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