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.
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 […]