The latest report received by the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) confirms that prominent human rights defender Saed Jadad, who was hospitalized after his health deteriorated, has been transferred to the capital Muscat from the military hospital in Salalah city. He has reportedly been on hunger strike for seven days, protesting his arrest.

On 20 January 2015, Jadad declared on his facebook page that if he is arrested he will immediately start a hunger strike until death.

Reports indicate that the authorities moved Jadad away from Salalah to the capital Muscat which is 1000 km away, where he appeared before the Court of First Instance in Muscat. The court decided to postpone the hearing to 01 February 2015. It is important to note that Jadad is detained at the Special division of the Omani Police in Mascat, and this detention threatens his right to life since he is suffering from heart problems and still accompanied with current deterioration in his health.

The GCHR holds the Ministry of Interior fully responsible for the physical and psychological integrity and security of Jadad while in detention. The GCHR believes strongly that he is targeted solely due to his legitimate and peaceful human rights activities.

The GCHR urges authorities in Oman to:
1. Immediately release Saed Jadad and drop all the charges directed against him;
2. Guarantee in all circumstances the ability of human rights defenders and journalists in Oman to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisal, and free of restrictions including judicial harassment.

For more information kindly see the following:

https://www.gc4hr.org/news/view/883

https://www.gc4hr.org/news/view/880