Peaceful Assembly

The Omani Constitution guarantees individuals the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, however the authorities have imposed numerous restrictions on individuals attempting to exercise this right. Article 137 of the Penal Code of Oman requires government approval for all public gatherings and imposes penalties on anyone participating “in a private gathering including at least 9 individuals with a view to commit a riot or a breach of public order”. In addition to bureaucratic restrictions, the authorities have also repressed peaceful demonstrations using excessive force. Protestors also regularly face arrest on the pretext that they are instigating violence and participating in a non-permitted gathering.