On 09 September 2012, the Court of First Instance in Muscat sentenced 6 human rights defenders and advocates of reform, convicted for allegedly insulting the Sultan by publishing “offensive writings and violating information technology law.” Ali Al-Haji was sentenced to one year in prison, a fine of 1000 Rials (2600 US$) in addition to a bail of 1500 Rials (3900 US$) pending the appeal of his sentences.