Man Faces Prison, Fine and Social Media Account Closure Over Online Content

Imprisonment, Fine, Confiscation of the Phone Used, and Closure of Social Media Account for an Omani Citizen

Muscat: Oman Court Upholds Judgment Against Citizen Over Social Media Content, Currency Misuse

The Seeb Primary Court issued on 14 May 2026 a verdict convicting and sentencing the defendant, Shihab bin Ahmed bin Salem (an Omani national), for committing the following crimes:

1. Misdemeanor: “Publicly committing an indecent act.”
Penalty: Two months’ imprisonment.

2. Misdemeanor: “Appearing in a public place in a manner that offends public decency and contradicts the traditions and customs of society.”
Penalty: Two months’ imprisonment.

3. Misdemeanor: “Using information technology and the internet to publish material that violates or disrupts public morals.”
Penalty: Four months’ imprisonment.

• Confiscation of the phone used in committing the crime.
• Closure of his social media account.

4. Misdemeanor: “Dealing with the country’s currency with contempt.”
Penalty: A fine of 150 Omani Rials.

The sentences shall be served concurrently, with only the most severe sentence being enforced. The defendant was also ordered to pay court costs, and the judgment shall be published.

On 22 July 2026, the Seeb Court of Appeal accepted the appeal in form but dismissed it on the merits, upheld the appealed judgment, and ordered the suspension of the prison sentence.

Investigations

The Public Prosecution’s investigations revealed a video clip showing the defendant performing indecent dance moves while wearing Omani attire. He also filmed another person, also wearing Omani attire, and posted the clip on social media.

The investigations further revealed his disrespect for the national currency by placing it on another person and ostentatiously passing it around.

After completing the investigation procedures, the defendant was referred to the competent court.

Public Prosecution Statement

The Public Prosecution affirms that the freedom to use social media is inseparable from the responsibility of users to respect public order, public morals, and societal values. It stresses the need to refrain from producing, publishing, or circulating any content that violates public morals, conflicts with the established values and ethics of Omani society, or undermines its identity and societal principles.