Update: On 21 December 2014 he has been released on bail.
Reports received by the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) confirm that human rights defender Said Jadad has been taken on the evening of 14 December 2014 to the Public Prosecution building in the city of Salalah, where he was handcuffed and shackled. The effects of fatigue and exhaustion were clear on him, together with the presence of blood on his hands because of the tight handcuff. Other reports confirm that he is being placed in one of the prisons in Salalah with some convicted criminals and drug addicts without directing to him any specific charges. He was not allowed to contact his family or his lawyer.
Saed Jadad is a long-standing, prominent human rights defender in Oman. He was instrumental in organizing and leading pro-reform protests in Dhofar in 2011 and has spoken publicly to crowds of up to 20,000 people. He used to be an active blogger and has signed several petitions calling for reform in Oman.
The GCHR holds the Omani government full responsibility for anything that could happen to the defender of human rights, Saed Jadad, in view of his bad health that needs intensive medical care, as he is suffering from back pain and heart problems. The GCHR calls on Omani authorities to release Saed Jadad immediately and unconditionally.
For more information, please read our appeal issued on 12 December , 2014:
