Harassment sure to land you in trouble
Adequate legal provisions are in place to protect vulnerable sections against harassment by residents as well as citizens, say experts
MADIHA ASIF madiha@timesofoman.com
MUSCAT: Residents and citizens who live in Oman and use electronic media or any other form of communication tool to intimidate, harass or threaten others will be punished to the full extent of the law.
In a series of articles about Oman’s rules and regulations, entitled “Know Oman”, experts guide readers on their rights and responsibilities while working and living in Oman.
Speaking exclusively to Times of Oman, Yasin Chowdhury, representative of Al Faqih & Co., one of the leading law firms in Oman, explained both harassment at work and in general.
Public morals or decency
“Article 268 of the Penal Code states that any person who uses telecommunications, electronic media, words, images, programmes or any other means to transmit words, images or programmes that are contrary to public morals or decency shall be punished either by imprisonment for a term of not less than 10 days and not more than one month or a fine of not less than OMR100 and not more than OMR300, or one of these two penalties,” he said
Regarding harassment at work, the legal expert explained that a male co-worker or superior is not allowed to approach any female colleague if she has shown disinterest, and if he persists, it could be seen as unlawful and dealt with as an indecent act or expression.
“If a male co-worker or superior has shown an interest in female co-worker, but she openly and clearly makes known her disinterest and disapproval and he persists, his behaviour could be dealt with under Article 265 of the Penal Code as an indecent act or expression From showering her with signs of his affection by leaving flowers on her table, dropping hints and finding ways to be alone with her up to making hidden threats and stalking, all such instances can be dealt with.
Penalty
“The penalty imposed for such behaviour is either imprisonment for a term of not less than 10 days and not more than three months, or a fine of not less than OMR100 and not to exceed OMR300. One of these two penalties will be imposed on every person who publicly commits an indecent act or expression,” Chowdhury said.
Al Faqih & Co. (contact@alfaqih.co) is a premier commercial law firm based in Muscat consisting of barristers, consultants, and advocates with vast experience in corporate and commercial practice, including labour and employment law in Oman.
The objectives of the firm include providing a full spectrum of corporate and commercial legal services to a variety of clientele in an efficient, effective and timely manner.
It specialises in litigation & arbitration, banking & finance, international trade, shipping & aviation, private equity, and foreign investment laws.