 Oman has launched the trial of prominent Islamic activists said to have formed an anti-regime network. The trial of 10 Omanis arrested in January 2005 began in Muscat. A witness said the defendants were charged with belonging to an illegal organization that sought to overthrow the regime by force. Monday's appearance constituted an initial hearing for the defendants. Authorities did not permit foreign reporters or Western diplomats to attend. Each defendant was allowed to choose one relative to attend the hearing. Some of those arrested were senior officials in the state Islamic system. They included Saleh Al Ribkhi, the controller of mosques in the office of Sultan Qaboos. Another detainee was Kahlan Al Kharisi, who has led Oman's annual delegation to the Muslim pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
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