Dubai: Omani authorities have arrested an activist who led anti-government protests in the sultanate in 2011, a regional rights group said on Friday.
Security forces arrested Saeed Jadad on Wednesday at his home in the city of Salalah, the Gulf Centre for Human Rights said.
The GCHR said Jadad, who has “health issues,” was arrested without a warrant or specific charge and has been held incommunicado, without access to his family or lawyer. The group described him as a “prominent” activist, known for his active role in organising and leading anti-government protests in the southern province of Dhofar in 2011. He was a blogger and has also signed many petitions urging reform in the sultanate, said the GCHR.
Oman was shaken by anti-government protests in 2011, prompting Sultan Qaboos to reshuffle his government and expand the consultative assembly. But scores of activists have been convicted of defaming or using social media networks to insult the sultan.
Others have been convicted of, or are facing trial for, taking part in demonstrations calling for political reform.
