Expression
on 12th February 2026, writer Dr. Omama Al-Lawati was sentenced solely for peacefully expressing her opinions on social media. The Muscat Court of First Instance sentenced her to a suspended three months in prison, along with a fine of 1,000 Omani Rials (USD 2,593) 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 on 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 28th January 2026, was held in secret. The second, on 5th February 2026, was dedicated to closing arguments. The third hearing was mentioned above.
On 14th 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 29th January 2026.
On 1st June 2026, Oman enacted a new Cybercrime Law under Royal Decree No. 61/2026, replacing the previous 2011 legislation. The law significantly expands the scope of cybercrime offences, covering unauthorised access, electronic fraud, identity impersonation, interception of communications, privacy violations and the handling of digital evidence, while also introducing provisions covering artificial intelligence and social media platforms. Of particular relevance to civic space, the law criminalises publishing or republishing content deemed to violate public order or morals, as well as rumours or misleading information, with enhanced penalties where such content is intended to provoke hatred, sectarianism, social division or sedition. It also criminalises publishing personal material with intent to cause harm and digitally altering images, audio or video to defame or insult individuals, or injure a person’s honour or dignity.
The new law authorises the government to confiscate instruments and proceeds, and to permanently or temporarily close a website, information system, or a place used to commit an offence.