Oman court jails six for insulting ruler

A court in Oman has sentenced six people to a year in jail for defaming the ruler, Sultan Qaboos,  UAE daily, The National reported on Tuesday.

The five men and one woman are said to be part of a group of 36 intellectuals and bloggers who had demanded political reforms in the country during last year’s uprisings, the report added.

These latest convictions follow four others who were sentenced on July 9 for similar offences. In both cases the accused were freed on bail pending appeal.

Last year Oman was hit by a series of demonstrations during the Arab Spring calling for political reform, but most were dispersed by riot police.

Since then, there have been some efforts by the ruler to resolve the unrest, including holding local elections.