Christian World | Jordan's State Security Court opened the trial of suspects in the October 23 attack on St. George church in Karak, which killed nine, on terrorism charges

ACW | November 4, 2026 — Jordan's State Security Court on Wednesday opened the trial of defendants charged over the deadly attack on St. George Greek Orthodox church in Hmoud, Karak governorate, the official Jordan News Agency (Petra) reported.

Prosecutors brought seven charges after completing their investigation, Petra said. They include nine counts of jointly committing terrorist acts resulting in death under Jordan's Anti-Terrorism Law No. 55 of 2006.

The other charges include two counts of committing terrorist acts with weapons and ammunition, possessing weapons and ammunition for terrorist purposes, conspiracy, promoting the ideology of a terrorist group and acts that endanger public order and safety, according to Petra.

State Security Court Public Prosecutor Ahmad Talat Shahaltoogh announced on Tuesday that the investigation was complete and the case had been sent to court, Al Jazeera reported, citing Petra. He said investigators heard witnesses, gathered evidence at the scene and questioned the suspects.

Petra did not say how many defendants are on trial or when the next hearing will be held. Its report carried no comment from defence lawyers.

Background: The attack took place during a funeral at the church on Friday, October 23. Jordanian security forces arrested three men in Karak after an exchange of fire on October 26; read ACW's report on the arrests.

Why it matters: The nine death counts correspond to the nine people killed while gathered for a funeral at the church, and the case is being tried under Jordan's anti-terrorism law, Petra reported.

ACW will continue to follow this story.

Sources: Jordan News Agency (Petra) — Trial begins for defendants charged in Karak church terror attack; Al Jazeera (Arabic) — seven terrorism charges, case referred to State Security Court

Photo: Jordan News Agency (Petra)