The Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) strongly condemns the sentencing in Oman of writer Dr. Omama Al-Lawati solely for peacefully expressing her opinions on social media.

During a hearing on 12 February 2026, the Muscat Court of First Instance sentenced her to a suspended three months in prison, along with a fine of 1,000 Omani Rials and the confiscation of her phone and SIM card. The court also ordered the deletion of her personal account on the X website.

She was convicted of two charges: undermining the prestige of the state, according to Omani Penal Code No. 7 of 2018, and misusing telecommunications technology, according to the Cybercrime Law No. 12 of 2011. Dr. Al-Lawati denied both charges.

The verdict came after a swift trial consisting of only three hearings. The first, held on 28 January 2026, was held in secret. The second, on 05 February 2026, was dedicated to closing arguments. The third hearing was mentioned above.

On 14 January 2026, Dr. Al-Lawati was summoned by the Special Division of the Omani police in Muscat, and arrested upon her arrival. The Special Division is the executive arm of the Internal Security Service (ISS). She was released on bail on 29 January 2026.

For more information on the case, see here.

GCHR believes that this trial fell far short of the minimum international standards for a fair trial and due process. Furthermore, the court’s decision to close her personal account on X undoubtedly confirms the use of the Omani judiciary by the ISS as a tool of repression to silence dissenting voices.

Recommendations

GCHR urges the authorities in Oman to:

1. Overturn the verdict against writer Dr. Omama Al-Lawati and stop targeting her;

2. Protect the public freedoms of citizens, particularly freedom of expression online and offline, and end the harassment of human rights defenders in Oman; and

3. Guarantee, under all circumstances, the ability of human rights defenders in Oman to carry out their legitimate human rights work without fear of reprisal and without undue restrictions, including judicial harassment.