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| Arabia |
| At least 100 arrested in Oman since New Year |
| 2005-01-31 |
| ...Hundreds of people, mainly academics and religious figures, are reported to have been detained in mass arrests since the beginning of this year. At least 100, including those named above, are held incommunicado, which puts them at risk of torture. Amnesty International is concerned that many may be prisoners of conscience, held solely for the non-violent expression of their beliefs The government has given no explanation for the arrests, which have taken place in various parts of the country, particularly the capital, Muscat. Many of the arrests have been carried out at night and most of those arrested had their computers and documents seized. Relatives have apparently not been told why the detainees have been arrested, and none of the detainees is said to have been charged or given access to lawyers, or allowed to challenge the legality of their detention in court. Mass arrests and incommunicado detention of political opponents in Oman has often resulted in allegations of torture and ill-treatment. Torture and ill-treatment are may be used during interrogation in order to obtain information about political suspects or for use as evidence in court to obtain conviction following unfair trials. |
| Posted by:Anonymoose |