TNAG-0652-FCO40-801-Planning-Staff-papers-on-human-rights-and-foreign-policy-cou-1977 — Page 162

CONFIDENTIAL

OMAN

Report by HM Embassy, Muscat

Right No.

Rating suggested by Post

(i)

(ii)

There is a considerable amount of arbitrary imprisonment, usually for minor offences and for short terms. All long-term and political cases receive formal trial.

We have had no indications of the use of torture by the police, and are confident it is not employed by the intelligence service.

(iii) There is probably some residual domestic

slavery in the more remote parts of the interior, but there is nothing to stop a slave leaving his master.

(iv) The press, television and radio are

controlled, but a wide variety of foreign papers are allowed in without censorship. Omanis are uninhibited in speech, but persistent outspoken criticism of the government would certainly be punished.

(v) Judges are most unlikely to return

verdicts which would displease either the government or the police.

(vi) Trade Unions are not allowed under the

Labour Law, although representative councils have to be set up in large companies and management negotiates with these.

(vii) There is complete freedom to travel and

settle abroad.

CONFIDENTIAL

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