Oman-Overview

Constitutional protections for the rights to freedom of association, expression and peaceful assembly are rarely respected by the Omani authorities. Instead, regular restrictions are imposed and individuals who question or criticise the authorities are directly targeted. Authorities interfere in the work of civil society organisations and harass and intimidate individual human rights defenders. Protests are technically allowed but heavily restricted in practice through a combination of bureaucratic hurdles and excessive force. The media and free speech are tightly controlled and online expression and communications are monitored and sometimes blocked.