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WORLD REPORT 2014Freedom of AssemblyOmani authorities require citizens to request government approval for all publicgatherings, and regularly arrest citizens at unapproved gatherings.In July, the sultan reportedly pardoned another group of 14 activists jailed in2011 anti-government protests in Sohar. The Sohar prisoners were serving sentencesof between 30 months and 5 years for their role in the protests. ToHuman Rights Watch’s knowledge, authorities have not expunged the convictionsof any of the pardoned activists.On August 22, activists gathered in Liwa, a town north of Sohar near the port, toprotest pollution from the industrial zone at the port, which they consider apublic health risk. Police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators who hadblocked the entrance to the port. On August 24, security forces arrested Dr.Talib al-Maa’mari, a member of Oman’s Shura Council, who was present at theanti-pollution demonstration. Authorities did not permit al-Maa’mari to meetwith a lawyer until September 10, 2013, almost 14 days after his arrest. OnSeptember 9, the public prosecution charged al-Maa’mari with inciting a crowdand wrongful assembly at a public place. According to the verdict, whichHuman Rights Watch reviewed, the court sentenced both al-Ma’mari to sevenyears in prison with a fine of 1,000 riyals (US$2,600), and al-Baloushi to fouryears with a fine of 500 riyals ($1,300) on charges of “illegal gathering” and“blocking traffic.” At time of writing, this case was before an appeals court.Women’s RightsArticle 17 of Oman’s Basic Law officially provides that all citizens are equal andbans discrimination on the basis of gender, however despite such constitutionalguarantees, women continue to face discrimination in law and practice.Women continue to be discriminated against in the Personal Status Law thatgoverns family law in matters of divorce, inheritance, child custody, and legalguardianship, granting men privileged status in these matters.In December 2012, Oman held its first municipal council elections with a totalof over 1,400 candidates, including 46 women, competing for 192 seats. Fourwomen were elected.594