Ali Hilal Al-Muqbali is an Omani human rights defender and online activist who has long been targeted by the Internal Security Service (ISS) for his peaceful work. He became known for his writings on social media about corruption, freedom of expression, and the rights of prisoners of conscience. Al-Muqbali was first arrested in 2011 during the wave of pro-reform protests that spread across the country, particularly in Sohar. Like many others who called for transparency and accountability, he was detained solely for participating in and reporting on these demonstrations. In 2012 he was arrested again as part of a broader campaign targeting bloggers and activists. That year, he was charged under Oman’s information technology law for online posts critical of the authorities and for “insulting the Sultan,” a charge widely used against peaceful critics. On 9 July 2012, he was convicted alongside three other defenders: Hamoud Al-Rashidy, Abdullah Al-Khorousy and Mahmoud Al-Rawahy in a case widely condemned by human rights organisations. The court sentenced him to one year in prison based on his social media writings. He was granted bail pending appeal, though the judicial process was marked by violations, including restricted access to lawyers, secret hearings, and the refusal of bail during key stages of the proceedings.