Some activists released in Oman as two others arrested
As Oman frees eight activists jailed for illegal assembly, it arrests two others without legal justification.
Gulf human rights defenders face reprisals for cooperating with UN
The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies reports on attacks carried out by the governments of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman against human rights defenders for cooperating with the UN.
Omani court upholds one-year jail terms for five netizens
Five Omani netizens convicted of cyber-crime and insulting the sultan have been handed down a supreme court ruling upholding one-year jail terms and 400-euro fines on 25 February 2013.
Omani prisoners of conscience on hunger strike
A total of 23 detainees who regard themselves as prisoners of conscience are currently refusing to eat. Six who are in a critical condition were taken to various hospitals in the capital Muscat.
Gulf rulers intensify repression against rising online activism
Apart from their geography and shared culture, what Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain have in common is aging authoritarian leadership coupled with a young, Internet-savvy populace: an obvious recipe for tension.
Eight Omani writers accused of cybercrimes, sentenced to prison
On 16 January, the Omani appeal court handed down prison sentences to eight writers and bloggers for lèse-majesté and cyber crimes. Reporters Without Borders notes that 28 netizens were convicted in the month of December alone, against a background of social and economic grievances that have alarmed the government.
Omani democracy activists face increased repression
Oman has been the site of a major crackdown since the end of May 2012, which has included arrests of dozens of writers, human rights defenders, judges, and pro-democracy activists.
Omani blogger sentenced to a year in prison
Blogger Mokhtar bin Mohamed El-Hana’y was sentenced to a year in prison, accused of insulting the Sultan and violating Oman’s information technology law.
Harsh sentences handed down to six activists in Oman
Six activists accused of information technology crimes, insulting the Sultan and undermining the state have been sentenced to up to a year and half in jail.
Omani court hands down additional sentences against activists
Eleven activists have been handed down prison sentences by a court in Muscat, Oman for exercising their right to free expression and peaceful assembly.
Six more activists sentenced to prison terms, fined
Photographers Muhamed El-Habsi, Abdullah-El-Erimiand Abdul-bin-Salem El-Siabi were sentenced to one year imprisonment for insulting the Sultan and violating the information law.
Activists handed prison sentences for participating in peaceful demonstration
The activists were given sentences ranging from six months to one year for participating in a sit-in in solidarity with other detained activists.
Protesters arrested following public prosecutor’s threat to stop “incitement”
Arrests since the end of May include 22 peaceful protesters and nine online activists and writers amid rising discontent in the Persian Gulf sultanate over its perceived failure to carry out promised reforms.
Three members of Omani Group for Human Rights detained
Habiba Hana’ei published a testimony of prison conditions endured by prisoners of conscience in the country, including systematic torture.
Omani blogger threatened with deportation
Ammar Ma’amari, a blogger known for his criticism of the Omani authorities, has been asked by the Jordanian intelligence service to pack his bags in anticipation of a deportation order.
Union activist detained
ANHRI demands the release of Mohamed al-Salty, an advocate for labour rights and democratic reforms who was recently abducted by the security services.