Muscat: Oman’s religious affairs ministry is taking action after a fake ‘decision’ purporting that Omani men must take two wives to boost the country’s population went viral.
The ‘decision’ was attributed to the ministry of religious affairs. According to the fake post, first wives who complained about the new ruling were to be punished by the ministry.
The rumour read, “Due to the lack of population growth, the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has decided that every man must marry at least two women and the state will support them financially.”
The message added, “A woman who tries to stop her husband from getting married again will face a penalty set by the ‘Department of Women Preaching and Guidance’ in the Ministry.”
The Ministry said, “With regards to the rumour being circulated, the Ministry would like to point out that this decision has not been issued by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and legal action will be taken against [the person who started] rumour.”
Abu Al Waleed, a Twitter user, replied, “Oh relax people! First set up a fund for Omani couple to get financial help for getting married [for the first time and only then] allow men to get married to more than one woman.”
In Oman, spreading false news or rumours that would disrupt public order is an offence punishable by imprisonment for a minimum period of three years and a fine of 3,000 riyals.
