Oman’s Sultan Haitham
changed the State Basic Law to grant citizens and residents living in Oman freedom of expression and opinion.
“Freedom of opinion and expression be in writing or speech and all forms of expression are guaranteed by the Basic Law of the State in accordance with the law and without detriment to the sanctity of private life,” state-run Oman News Agency reported on Thursday.
ONA also reported that the Sultan ordered “the freedom to practice religious rites according to recognised customs, is protected, provided it does not violate the public order or contradict morals”.
Sultan Haitham also removed a law that previously allowed the state to monitor private phone conversations, social media or postal correspondence.