Omani author summoned after critical tweet

Muscat: Omani authorities have summoned Ali Al Rawahi, an Omani author, for investigation on Monday. Al Rawahi, the author of “fundamentalism and rationality” book, has not yet been released according to his family who spoke to AlBaladOman online news site.

Social media sites were flooded with comments of support for Al Rawahi, with many fellow writers and activists condemning his detention.

Said Al Hashemi, a writer, said that freedom of expression and thought is the best ensurer of the safety of the most prominent countries and the progress of its peoples.

Al Hashemi added that the clamp down on opinions and independent thinking is unfortunate at a time when the country is working to stamp out corruption.

Moreover, Ebrahim Saeed, a poet, said that to stifle writers and intellectuals serves no purpose and further perpetuates darkness.

On December 27, Al Rawahi tweeted that Omanis were ignorant of their own rights.

Saif Said is a journalist based in Muscat