An estimated 2,000 protesters directly called for Jordan's King Abdullah II to step down at a rally in downtown Amman on Nov. 16. Jordan has seen three consecutive days of protests and riots over a government decision to lift fuel subsidies. During Friday's rallies, protesters chanted, "Down Abdullah," and "The people want the downfall of the regime." The utterance of both phrases is a punishable offense in the kingdom. The protesters have also accused the monarchy and the government of corruption and complained of a lack of freedoms. The open calls for Abdullah's resignation mark a dramatic escalation in the open derision of the king — who is widely unpopular but until now has rarely been openly criticized.