Jordan’s public prosecutor banned on Tuesday all media and social media from publishing content about frictions between King Abdullah and his half brother Prince Hamza, the state news agency Petra reported.

The royal court said on Twitter on Monday that Jordan’s King Abdullah has entrusted his uncle, Prince Hassan, to handle the situation with estranged Prince Hamza, the former crown prince.

Prince Hassan has gotten in touch with Prince Hamza, who “confirmed that he is committed to the Hashemite family’s approach and the path King Abdullah entrusted his uncle with,” the royal court added.

“I place myself in the hands of his majesty the king… I will remain committed to the constitution of the dear Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,” Prince Hamza said in the letter released by the palace.

On Saturday, the military warned Prince Hamza over actions it said were undermining “security and stability” in Jordan, and he later said he was under house arrest. Several high-profile figures were also detained.

Officials said on Sunday Prince Hamza had liaised with people who had contacts with foreign parties in a plot to destabilize Jordan, an important ally of the United States, and that he had been under investigation for some time.

The half-brother of King Abdullah and former heir to the throne said in a voice recording released by Jordan’s opposition on that he would not comply after being barred from any activity and told to keep quiet.

While Prince Hamza is not seen as a direct threat to the king, his actions suggested he wanted to shore up his position with the Jordanian public after being removed from the royal succession.

“For sure I won’t obey when they tell you that you cannot go out or tweet or reach out to people but are only allowed to see the family. I expect this talk is not acceptable in any way,” he said in the recording circulated to friends and contacts.

The intrigue shook Jordan’s image as a haven of stability in the unpredictable Middle East.

It is unclear why the kingdom decided to crack down on Prince Hamza now, but he put himself at growing risk by stepping up visits in recent weeks to tribal gatherings where the king and his government have been criticized more openly.