The Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) calls on the authorities in Oman to immediately and unconditionally release writer Dr. Omama Al-Lawati.

On 14 January 2026, Al-Lawati was summoned by the Special Division of the Omani Police Command in Muscat, the capital. Upon her arrival, she was arrested and remains in detention. The Special Division is the executive arm of the Internal Security Service.

Several local observers have confirmed that her arrest is due to the opinions she expresses on her social media accounts. On 29 November 2025, she posted the following on her X account regarding the government’s honouring of its officials: “What achievements warrant the honouring of ministers and government figures in the country? If you are doing your job and receiving a salary, privileges, and benefits while in office, and these privileges continue after you leave office, what is there to be honoured for when all you did was fulfil your job duties?” It is widely believed that this post is the primary reason for her arrest.

Reports received by GCHR confirm that on 21 January 2026, Al-Lawati appeared before the Public Prosecution on charges related to her peaceful activities on social media. On the very same day she was able to call her family on the phone for the first time.

Al-Lawati is a well-known writer and storyteller specialising in children’s literature. She has published approximately 17 books, the first being “Beyond Yesterday” in 2010 and the most recent “Mango Boy” in 2023. She has also published numerous articles, studies, and research papers in various media outlets. She received her PhD in Media and Communication Studies in Tunisia in 2022.

GCHR strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest and detention of the renowned writer Omama Al-Lawati. GCHR considers this a clear continuation of the systematic repression that the Internal Security Service and its executive arm, the Special Branch, have persistently pursued for many years to suppress public freedoms, including freedom of expression online and offline.

Recommendations

GCHR urges the authorities in Oman to:

1. Release writer Omama Al-Lawati immediately and cease targeting her;

2. Protect the public freedoms of citizens, particularly freedom of expression online and offline, and end the harassment of human rights defenders in Oman; and

3. Guarantee, under all circumstances, the ability of human rights defenders in Oman to carry out their legitimate human rights work without fear of reprisal and without undue restrictions, including judicial harassment.