Restrictions on Freedom of Religion or Belief in Oman

Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion constitutes a fundamental human right and serves as a cornerstone of any just and inclusive society. This right guarantees every individual the liberty to hold and manifest beliefs—whether religious, philosophical, or secular—without fear of persecution, discrimination, or undue interference. It is enshrined in key international human rights instruments, most notably the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which affirms the individual’s autonomy in adopting, changing, or expressing beliefs. The legal protection of this freedom plays a crucial role in safeguarding human dignity and fostering an environment conducive to mutual respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among diverse belief systems.

Article 18 of the  UDHR states:

“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.”

Unfortunately, Oman is considered one of the countries where individuals do not enjoy the freedom of belief or religious freedom. Many individuals who have openly expressed their non-religious beliefs or engaged in intellectual activities related to atheism have faced arrest, imprisonment, or, in the least severe cases, investigation. In Article 2 of the Basic Law, Oman presents itself as a religious state where Islam is the basis of legislation, which aligns with the third point previously discussed, revolving around states or governments imposing specific religions or even sects. This challenge has led to the existence of blasphemy and apostasy laws, as stipulated in Article 269 of the Omani Penal Code, which prescribes imprisonment for a period of not less than 3 years and not exceeding 10 years for anyone involved in activities that law enforcement authorities interpret as being against religion or undermining religious values.

Additionally, from a sectarian perspective, Omani security authorities have previously summoned several writers for publishing articles that discussed aspects of sectarian history. Recently, specifically last June, the security authorities arrested several citizens from the Taqah state in the Dhofar Governorate for performing the Eid al-Adha prayer in a manner that deviated from the country’s official calendar. The number of arrests and summonses subsequently increased to include even those who sympathized with the detainees or opposed the arrests. Furthermore, Chapter One of Part Eight of the Penal Law contains provisions that make any activity related to freedom of thought and religion impossible due to the severity of the penalties imposed on anyone the authorities believe to be acting against public order.

The nature of these legislations has unfortunately contributed to an increasing tone of intolerance towards individuals with differing perspectives, not only those related to the Islamic religion but also any criticism of the country’s official sect, Ibadi. Among the victims of these laws was the late activist and previous diplomat Hassan Al-Basham, who was sentenced to three years in prison and passed away in April 2018, while serving his sentence. Another prominent case is the Ghayth’s Spaces case, where four individuals, Ali Al-Ghafri, Mariam Al-Nuaimi, Abdullah Hassan, and Ghayth Al-Maqbali, were involved. Some of the accused were acquitted of charges, while Mariam was released in April of last year After receiving a royal pardon. However, Ali Al-Ghafri, who voluntarily surrendered to the authorities in November 2022, was subsequently granted a pardon and released in April 2024 during the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.

Religious activity and freedom of belief in Oman are considered risks that may lead to severe prison sentences. Especially with the increasing hostility expressed by some prominent religious figures, such as the Grand Mufti of the Sultanate, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Khalili, and others. The OCHRD observes that the existence of legal legislation condemning any activity related to religious freedom and belief is one of the primary reasons for the lack of tolerance in Oman today. It urgently calls on the authorities to eliminate these laws and introduce new ones that provide a safe environment for intellectual pursuits, in line with international human rights laws.