Front Line is concerned that prominent journalist Mr Ali al-Zwaidi could face a sentence for publishing a document related to government control on freedom of expression in Oman. The verdict is expected to be reached in court on 21 April 2009.

Further Information

Ali al-Zwaidi is a supervisor of an on-line discussion forum called “Sablat Oman”. He is a co-founder and a board member of the Oman Writers' Society and has been a writer in the Oman press since 1986. Ali al-Zwaidi has written, and initiated as a supervisor, articles on corruption in government institutions.

On 17 March 2009, Ali al-Zwaidi was brought to trial before Al-Hail Lower Court. He was accused of publishing on the internet a classified government document. The document was attached to a memorandum distributed to government departments by the secretary of the Council of Ministers that regulates a popular radio programme called “This Morning”. This programme serves as an on-air forum where citizens discuss local affairs with government officials. According to sources, the document was a shock to the public as it revealed that the programme is not in fact broadcast live. The document states that government instructions regarding the programme include that all calls from people should be received and scrutinised before being answered by officials and broadcast, and that the programme should contain intermissions that reflect achievements of the Government.

The Judge asked how the defendant received the document, if he was aware that the document was confidential, and how he published it. Ali al-Zwaidi replied that the document was sent to his department - he also works as an engineer for Oman Civil Aviation - and all other government departments with a memorandum attached. Whilst the memorandum was marked as classified, the document itself was not, and he considered it to be a public concern.

In August 2008, Ali al-Zwaidi allowed the publication of an article on suspected corruption within Omantel, the main Omani telecommunications company. He was interrogated and brought to court on 24 February 2009, accused of violating Article 61 of the Omani Communications Law which prohibits anyone from “using a system on a device or a means of communication to direct a message while knowing it is untrue or causes harm to a person or service”. The connection between the previous and current accusations is not clear. However, Omantel reportedly played a role in revealing the identity of the person who published the document based on which Ali al-Zwaidi has been charged.

Front Line believes that the accusations against Ali al-Zwaidi are related to his legitimate work in the defence of human rights, especially the right to freedom of expression and in combating corruption.