Oman

Oman’s overly broad laws restrict the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association. The authorities target peaceful activists, pro-reform bloggers, and government critics using short term arrests and detentions and other forms of harassment. Some detainees arrested since 2011 have allegedly reported that security forces tortured or otherwise ill-treated them. All public gatherings require advance official approval and the authorities arrest and prosecute participants in unapproved gatherings. Although the law states that all citizens are equal and bans gender-based discrimination, women face discrimination under the law in matters of divorce, inheritance, child custody and legal guardianship.