Gulf | Oman
Qaboos decree defines extent of any Emergency Law declaration
A key piece of legislation that defines the prerogatives of the state during a 'state of emergency', has now entered the statute books of Oman.
- Staff Report
- Published: 00:11 June 4, 2008
Muscat: A key piece of legislation that defines the prerogatives of the state during a 'state of emergency', has now entered the statute books of Oman.
The Emergency Law, issued by Oman's Ruler Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed, via Sultani Decree No. 75/2008 on May 22, was published in the official gazette here on Sunday.
Its stated aim is to safeguard national stability and social order in the event of any crisis.
According to the decree, a 'state of emergency' can be invoked if security or public order is imperilled.
The Emergency Law lists a number of grounds that can trigger a declaration of a 'state of emergency', notably, the threat of war, conflict, internal strife, criminal phenomena, disasters, epidemics, and such other happenings that can endanger social order.
Ban on gathering
State of emergency can be invoked only by Royal Decree, based on a recommendation by the National Security Council.
The latter can also authorise detentions, restrict movements of individuals, ban gatherings, order curfews, and impound property, among other actions deemed necessary.
The law also vests the council with authority to seize, suspend or shut down telecommunications, communications and mass media.
However, detainees must be produced before a special judge within 15 days from their arrest or detention.
The judge may release the detainee on bail or order their detention for a further period not exceeding one month.
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