The Court of First Instance in Muscat yesterday issued judgements sentencing four people to various jail terms and imposing fines on them after finding them guilty of defamation and violation of IT Law. The court convicted Hamoud al Rashdi to six months in jail and ordered him to pay a fine for the felony of slander. The court also awarded a one-year jail sentence to Ali bin Hilal al Muqbali for the felony of violating the Information Technology Law.

It also awarded Hamad bin Abdullah al Kharousi a one-year jail term and ordered him to pay a fine of RO 200 for the felony of violating the Information Technology Law. The court also awarded Mohammed bin Hamad al Rawahi a one-year jail term for the offence of violating the Information Technology Law and ordered him to pay a fine of RO 200. The court postponed the pronouncement of verdict on other suspects till July 16. The court will also pronounce its verdict on other suspects who violated the law on gatherings in public places.

Earlier, the Public Prosecution Department said that it observed a rising trend in offensive writings and inciting calls by some individuals who target personal life under the pretext of free expression of opinion. The Public Prosecution said it considered this as a blatant violation of the sanctity of personal life, saying that such writings count as a libel against the individuals or because of their job positions. Also, with rumours on the rise, such negative acts may eventually harm the homeland, individuals and national interests are growing, said the Public Prosecution Department here yesterday.

The Public Prosecution said that these verbal or written insults are contrary to our religious teachings, rich traditions and noble morals that are deeply integrated in the Omani society. Besides going against public law and order, such acts are incriminated by law, irrespective of their methods, whether audio, printed, visual or spread via telecommunications and IT means, including the e-forums and social networking websites.

Hence, the Public Prosecution Department advises all citizens and residents that it will take legal action against the perpetrators of such statements or acts, as well as those who promote or provoke or assist them through any means.