Oman
Oman has detailed counterterrorism provisions in its domestic law in both a dedicated royal decree from 2007 and in the Criminal Code. The definition of terrorism is very broad and there is no carve-out for the exercise of fundamental human rights. The maximum sentence is the death penalty.
The Definition of Terrorism in Domestic Law
Oman defined terrorism in 2007 by Royal Decree No. 8/2007 in very broad terms as:
any act of violence or threat of violence done by an individual or a group of terrorists with the purpose of:
- Terrorizing people or terrifying them by hurting them or jeopardizing their lives, freedom, safety, honor, or rights, or
- Harming the environment or any public or private owned utility or property, or seizing it, or jeopardizing any national resource, or
- Threatening the regional stability or security of the country or its political unity or sovereignty, or
- Preventing or obstructing the public authorities from exercising its duties, or
- Disabling the implementation of the provisions of the state’s Constitution or its laws or regulations.Royal Decree No. 8 of 2007 on combating terrorism.
Adherence to Global and Regional Terrorism Treaties
Oman is a State Party to most of the main United Nations treaties on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1973 Convention on Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons | State Party |
| 1979 Hostage-Taking Convention | State Party |
| 1997 Terrorist Bombings Convention | State not party |
| 1999 Terrorist Financing Convention | State Party |
| 2005 Nuclear Terrorism Convention | State Party |
Oman is also a State Party to the Arab regional treaty on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1998 Arab Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism | State Party |
| 1999 OIC Convention on Combating International Terrorism | Status unknown |
Laws and Penalties for Terrorist Offences
Under Article 113 of the Penal Code,
Whoever proceeds with a terrorist act that spreads fear and horror among people or frightens them using explosives, or poisonous, incendiary, inflammable, or epidemic substances, or other means that create a public hazard shall be punished for a period no less than seven years and not exceeding fifteen years.
The punishment shall be life imprisonment if the act leads to the sabotage or destruction of buildings or establishments designated as public facilities, the sabotage or destruction of modes of air, land, or water transport or any of their establishments, or the demolition of a building, or a part of it, that is inhabited or designated for residence. The punishment shall be the death sentence if the act results in the death of a person.
Counterterrorism Capacities and Policies at Domestic Level
Oman has dedicated counterterrorism capacity in its national police.
Glossary
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