Omani journalist jailed over article on judiciary

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published August 03, 2016

NEW YORK - An Omani journalist has been jailed for nearly a week under investigation of multiple charges after the daily newspaper Azamn published an article questioning the independence of the judiciary, according to his outlet and human rights groups.

Police arrested Ibrahim al-Maamari, editor-in-chief of Azamn, on July 28 under orders of the public prosecutor, the paper reported. Azamn said the arrest stemmed from the July 26 article, "Supreme bodies tie the hands of justice," which accuses unnamed officials of influencing the Chief Magistrate of the Supreme Court, Ishaq Bin Ahmed Al Bousaidi, to intervene in judicial proceedings concerning an inheritance dispute. The article, which is still available online, has garnered nearly 20,000 views. Al Bousaidi has not issued a public response to the claims.

An editor at the paper, Zaher al-Abri, told Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) that the paper has received no official information regarding the charges al-Maamari faces or whether the prosecutor has issued an indictment. Atheer newspaper, citing an unnamed source from the prosecutor's office, reported that al-Maamari is under investigation for charges including publishing false news, undermining the prestige of the state, and disturbing public order.

"Oman likes to fashion itself as a problem-solver in the region. But by arresting journalists, it has instead become part of the problem," said CPJ Middle East and North Africa Senior Research Associate Jason Stern. "The Omani government should focus on refuting articles it holds are untrue instead of arresting the journalists who wrote them."

Atheer cited the unnamed source in the prosecutor's office as saying that other suspects were under investigation but did not identify them, saying ultimate responsibility would fall upon the editor-in-chief al-Maamari.

Al-Abri also told CPJ that Azamn received an order from the Ministry of Information forbidding it from publishing further details on the case. In protest, the newspaper published a blank space on its front page yesterday.

Al-Maamari's arrest was immediately preceded by the arrest of another Omani journalist, al-Moatasem al-Bahlani, the editor-in-chief of the online magazine Al-Falq. According to news reports, al-Bahlani was arrested on July 26 and released on July 28. The reason for the arrest is unclear. Al-Falq did not respond to CPJ's requests for comment over email.

The Gulf Center for Human Rights said al-Bahlani's arrest may have been related to his active presence on social media. Al-Bahlani's Twitter profile, @aalbahlani, now reads, "The account is closed temporarily...maybe!"

The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to a written request for comment on both arrests.- Committee to Protect Journalists

India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following Pahalgan attack

 April 28, 2025:  India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.

Coordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows

 April 23, 2025:  Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.

Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion

 April 21, 2025:  After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.

Journalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families

 April 21, 2025:  Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.

A launch in style: Dr. Nauman Niaz unveils 'In A Different Realm'

 April 20, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 April 11, 2025:  Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.

AJK government registers case against newspaper and staff

 April 10, 2025:  The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.

Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting

 April 08, 2025:  Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.