Hassan Al-Basham is an Omani online activist and human rights defender known for his writings in defense of prisoners of conscience, as well as his engagement in social and humanitarian causes. He was an active participant in the 2011 protests in Oman during the Arab Spring. Al-Basham was first arrested on 17 September 2015 by the Internal Security Service (ISS) and appeared before the Special Division of the Omani Police in Sohar. He was released briefly on 23 September, but only two days later, on 25 September, he was arrested again and subjected to prolonged interrogation. On 18 October 2015, he was transferred to the Public Prosecution’s Office in Sohar, which directed several charges against him, including “insulting the Sultan,” “undermining the prestige of the state,” and the “use of the Internet in what might be prejudicial to religious values.” His first court hearing took place on 30 October 2015.

On 8 February 2016, the Court of First Instance in Sohar sentenced him to three years in prison, convicting him on the charges brought by the authorities. Several prison sentences were issued in the same hearing, but under the Omani Penal Code they were merged, with the longest (three years) set to be implemented. The court granted him the possibility of release on bail of 50 Omani rials (around 130 dollars) pending an appeal.

Throughout his detention, Al-Basham was denied adequate access to his family and legal counsel, raising serious concerns about due process and his well-being.