Updates on the Case of the Dhofar Governorate Detainees

The OCHRD condemns the sentences issued this week against the detainees involved in Taqah State case in the Dhofar Governorate. These individuals were previously arrested in June for holding the Eid al-Adha prayer in contradiction to the official religious calendar of the country. All enforced sentences were based on the charge of inciting sectarian strife, under Article 108 of the Omani Penal Code, in addition to Article 19 of the  Cybercrime Law Law.

On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the Salalah Court of Appeal issued a ruling sentencing the following individuals to two years of imprisonment with the sentence suspended, recognising the time already served:

Saeed Mohammed Al-Mashani: Convicted of the felony of holding a meeting intended to incite religious and sectarian strife and create division among the country’s residents. The court sentenced him to two years of imprisonment, but only required the time already served to be considered, with the remainder of the sentence suspended. He was also ordered to pay court costs.

Dr. Ahmed Masoud Al-Mashani: Convicted of the felony of publishing materials intended to incite religious and sectarian strife and create division among the country’s residents. The court sentenced him to two years of imprisonment, with the time already served recognised. His mobile phone was confiscated, and the remainder of the sentence was suspended. He was also ordered to pay court costs and was acquitted of the misdemeanour charge of using information technology to publish content that could harm public order.

Tariq Saeed Mahad Al-Omari: Convicted of the felony of publishing materials intended to incite religious and sectarian strife and create division among the country’s residents. The court sentenced him to two years of imprisonment, with three months to be served, and the remainder of the sentence suspended. His mobile phone was confiscated, and he was ordered to pay court costs. He was acquitted of the misdemeanour charge of using information technology to publish content that could harm public order.

Saeed Salem Ali Al-Mashani: Convicted of the felony of holding a meeting intended to incite religious and sectarian strife and create division among the country’s residents. The court sentenced him to two years of imprisonment, but only required the time already served to be considered, with the remainder of the sentence suspended. He was also ordered to pay court costs.

Dr. Ali bin Amer Al-Mashani: Convicted of the felony of publishing materials intended to incite religious and sectarian strife and create division among the country’s residents. The court sentenced him to two years of imprisonment, with six months to be served, and the remainder of the sentence suspended.

Mahmoud Saeed Al-Mashani (Later on 17th September):

Convicted of the felony of publishing content likely to incite religious and sectarian strife and provoke division among the country’s residents. The court sentenced him to two years of imprisonment, of which three months are to be served, with the remainder suspended.

The OCHRD condemns all the issued sentences and calls for the respect of freedom of belief and religion, emphasising that individuals and groups should not be punished for engaging in religious practices that deviate from the official or general orientation of the country.