Jordanian authorities have arrested and prosecuted investigative journalist Ali Younes after he allegedly reposted an article calling on Washington to cut billions of dollars in aid to the kingdom.

Younes, a Jordanian-American citizen and correspondent for the US-based investigative outlet Drop Site News, disclosed the case on Monday.

Security officials told Younes and his lawyer that the case centred on his reposting of an article published by The American Conservative questioning US aid.

The article questioned Washington’s extensive financial support for the Jordanian monarchy.

“It is reasonable to ask why Americans thousands of miles away should be footing the bill for Jordan when [King] Abdullah has amassed a fortune that he keeps stashed abroad rather than using it to care for his own population,” the article said.