Blogger detained following blog entry critical of Sultan Qaboos’ reign
Muawiya al-Rawahy was arrested after he published his blog entry “Finally, I am free,” where he expressed disappointment in the situation in his country and his lack of confidence in the reign of Sultan Qaboos.
Five-month jail terms for two journalists and their source confirmed on appeal
The case against Yousef Al-Haj, Ibrahim Al-Mo’amari and Haroun Saeed was prompted by a 14 May article that quoted Saeed’s allegations of growing corruption within the ministry and favouritism in appointments and promotions.
CPJ concerned over politicised trial of journalists, civil servant
The organisation urges the Sultan of Oman to instruct judicial authorities to respect the letter of the law in the case of two journalists sentenced to imprisonment on defamation charges.
ANHRI condemns suspension of “Al Zaman”, imprisonment of its editorial team
Ibrahim Al Moamari and Yusuf Al Haj were convicted fpr publishing a grievance from an employee at the Ministry of Justice.
Two activists detained after participating in peaceful protest
ANHRI was informed that Ammar Al-Hanai and Ibrahim Al-Balushi have been tortured and kept in solitary confinement; their health is deteriorating as a result.
Newspaper threatened with closure for exposing judiciary corruption
The Sultanate of Oman is threatening to shut down the independent newspaper Al-Zaman for publishing an article alleging corruption in the Ministry of Justice; the article’s author, Youssef al-Haj, could face prison time if convicted.
Three poets detained amid crackdown on protesters
Poets Saleh elAmeri, Ali elMakhmari and Ahmed alShehhi were detained along with several activists and journalists and are being held in an undisclosed location.
Authorities urged to investigate use of force in quelling demonstration
“Omani citizens should be able to peacefully assemble and petition their government for positive change,” Human Rights Watch said.
Government seizes books at international book fair
“The continued monitoring, controlling and confiscating of books will only result in the Omani government being criticised for its hostility to freedom of expression,” said ANHRI.
Journalist Ali al-Zwaidi on trial, facing possible year-long prison sentence for publication of article on corruption
(ANHRI/IFEX) – The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information has expressed great concern over the trial of the Omani journalist and internet activist Ali al-Zwaidi who allegedly violated article 61 of the Omani communications law. The crime carries a sentence of up to a year in prison and a fine of one thousand Omani riyals […]
Freedom of the Press 2007: Oman
Freedom of the Press 2007: Oman
Playwright detained incommunicado; journalist and former MP sentenced to 18 months in prison for “insulting public officials”
(Human Rights Watch/IFEX) – The following is an 18 July 2005 Human Rights Watch press release: Oman: Critics Subjected to Injustices They Had Exposed One Government Critic Detained Incommunicado, Another Remains Jailed (New York, July 18, 2005) – The incommunicado detention of a prominent playwright and human rights activist in Oman exposes the country’s weak […]
Poet and journalist Abdallah Al-Ryami jailed for criticising human rights violations
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has condemned the 12 July 2005 arrest of poet and journalist Abdallah Al-Ryami for criticising human rights violations in Oman and deplored the strict censorship of writers and journalists by Omani authorities in the past few months. “We call on the sultanate’s government to free Al-Ryami at once and to respect the […]
Media outlets ordered to blacklist two writers
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has condemned the Sultanate of Oman for barring the media from giving space in publications or airtime to two writers and intellectuals, Mohammed Al Harthi and Abdallah Al Ryami, for the past five months. The organisation called for the writers to be allowed to be interviewed freely again. The blacklisting appears to […]