Oman questions ‘unfair’ report on freedom of expression by RSF
Authorities in Oman have questioned an ‘unfair’ report on freedom of expression in the sultanate in the international media.
Hon Dr Aisha Hamad al Darmaki, head of the State Council’s committee for culture, media and tourism, has stated that freedom of expression and opinion constitutes an inseparable part of citizens’ basic civil and human rights in Oman.
The Basic Law of the State is the supreme legislation in Oman which guarantees freedom of opinion and expression in accordance with Article 35 of Chapter 3. Article 35 of the statute states that 'Freedom of Opinion' and the right to articulate by all means of expression is guaranteed within the limits of law.
Hon Aisha’s statement came in response to an unfair report issued by ‘Reporters without Borders’ (RSF), clarifying that the report was based on misinformation and inaccuracies. She underscored the significance of partnerships between government, private establishments and civil society institutions and the importance of providing actual and real facts.
Dr Aisha added that media is one of the means available for expressing opinion, as a space for journalists and mediapersons to access information, facts and data, for which policies and legislation are well laid out. “It is an integrative process that defines the mechanism of freedom.”
According to Jamal bin Salim
Freedom of expression and opinion constitutes an inseparable part of citizens’ basic civil and human rights in Oman
Hon Dr AisHA HAmAD Al DArmAki
al Nabhani, director of the legislation department in the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, the Basic Law of the State upholds the value of freedom of expression and has made it a constitutional right that does not distinguish between individuals. It states that all individuals have a right to express opinion by all means.
Nabhani added that the Basic Law of the State defines the parameters of freedom of expression.
“Freedom of expression should not disrupt the public order or violate public ethics or infringe the supreme interests of the rights of others,” he said, while emphasising Oman’s interaction with international organisations that address human rights reports.