OMAN ONLINE: SEEKING JOBS AND DEFENDING ARRESTEES

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000567

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARPI (TROBERTS),NEA/PPD (CWHITTLESEY),NEA/P
(FFINVER),IIP/G/NEA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OEXC OIIP SOCI MU
SUBJECT: OMAN ONLINE: SEEKING JOBS AND DEFENDING ARRESTEES



1. Summary: The Omani Internet chat rooms "al-Sablah" and "al-
Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language
fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching
on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional
media. While not totally free, nor wholly reflective of Omani
public opinion, these popular sites nevertheless offer a
worthwhile window into the hot topics and unvarnished views of
the day. This edition of Oman Online contains the following
topics:

-- Privatizing the electric company
-- Arrestees seek legal representation

End summary.

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Privatization Hurts Some
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2. An al-Sablah subscriber introduced a discussion on the Omani
government's decision to privatize electricity. He wrote, "I am
sure there are noble goals behind the royal decree that called
for the privatization of the Ministry of Electricity (MOE).
However, the results are the opposite." He continued, "Some say
privatization will increase job opportunities for Omanis in the
private sector, allow for greater competition, and reduce the
administrative and budgetary burden on the government. However,
that is not what is happening. Many Omani employees of the MOE
are being displaced or fired outright. They are not being
absorbed by private electric companies." Another al-Sablah
participant speculated, "The government had hoped to move the MOE
employees into the Ministry of Housing, but this proved
impractical." Another subscriber stated, "The government is
simply trying to reduce its own financial burden by shifting it
to the backs of the people."

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Detainees Have Rights
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3. Al-Sablah members continue to discuss the recent arrests of
persons suspected of belonging to "an illegal organization."
Many participants called upon the government to allow the
families and friends of the detainees to visit them. One member
stated, "I heard that the Attorney General refused to allow the
detainees to meet with their families. This is unfair." Another
subscriber commented, "The detainees are Omanis, and they deserve
to be treated fairly. They are entitled to legal representation
and they must receive treatment that meets human rights
standards." Another member wrote, "I understand the families are
seeking legal representation for the detainees, but they cannot
afford the outrageous 3000 Omani riyal (ca. USD 7770) retainers
that lawyers are demanding."

BALTIMORE