PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 20/007/2005

09 August 2005

Further Information on UA 187/05 (MDE 20/004/2005, 15 July 2005) and follow-up (MDE 20/005/2005, 21 July 2005) - Fear of torture or ill-treatment/Possible prisoner of conscience

OMAN Taiba al Mawali (f) former member of parliament

On 7 August, Taiba al Mawali's prison sentence was reportedly reduced from 18 months to six months by the Court of Appeal.

She had been sentenced on 13 July in connection with her criticisms of the government. It is thought that she may be detained in the Women’s Prison in Muscat. Amnesty International believes that she may be a prisoner of conscience, held solely for the non-violent expression of her beliefs.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English or your own language:

- welcoming the decision of the Court of Appeal to reduce Taiba al Mawali's prison sentence;

- calling for her immediate and unconditional release, as Amnesty International believes that she may be a prisoner of conscience, held solely for the non-violent expression of her beliefs.

APPEALS TO:

Sultan of Oman

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said

Diwan of the Royal Court

PO Box 875, Muscat 113

Sultanate of Oman

Fax: + 968 24 735 375

Salutation: Your Majesty

Minister of Justice

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdullah bin Zaher al-Hinai

Minister of Justice, Ministry of Justice

PO Box 354, Muscat 112, Sultanate of Oman

Fax: + 968 24 607716

Salutation: Your Excellency

Minister of Interior

His Excellency Sa=ud bin Brahim al-Busa=idi

Minister of Interior, Ministry of Interior

PO Box 127, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman

Fax: + 968 24 797779

Salutation: Your Excellency

COPIES TO: diplomatic representatives of Oman accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 20 September 2005.