Public Prosecution convicts 3 for attempting to influence Shura polls

Published: 08:07 AM,Jul 22,2026 | EDITED : 01:07 PM,Jul 22,2026

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The Primary Court of Muscat (Criminal Circle) convicted the first defendant Abdullah Abdulrahman Mohammed (Omani), the second defendant Yousef Ahmed Shaheen (Omani), and the third defendant Tarik Ibrahim Hassan (Omani) for committing the misdemeanor of using information technology to insult others, punishable under Article 16 of the Law on Combating Cybercrimes.

The Public Prosecution's investigations revealed that the first and second defendants published a video clip on social media, which included an insult to one of the candidates in the Tenth Shura Council elections and questioned his eligibility and ability to perform his duties as a council member in a manner that damaged his reputation and status.
Letters exchanged between the second and third defendants were uncovered, including an agreement to buy votes from voters in favor of the second defendant, to undermine the integrity of the electoral process and the freedom of voting. After concluding the investigations, the suspects were referred to the competent court.

The penalties include one year's imprisonment and a fine of RO1,000, with a stay of execution of the remainder of the prison sentence for the first defendant, with only one month to be served.

The second and third defendants were convicted of the misdemeanor of vote buying with the intent to influence the outcome of the Tenth Shura Council Elections. The penalties include one year's imprisonment and a fine of RO5,000.

With partial suspension of the imprisonment and financial penalties against the third defendant, who will only serve six months' imprisonment and a fine of RO1,000.

The penalties will be run concurrently, with only the severe penalty to be served against the Second Defendant, in addition to the publication of the court ruling.

On February 16, 2026, the Muscat Court of Appeal upheld the conviction but suspended the prison sentences for all appellants.

On July 7, 2026, the Supreme Court accepted the appeal in form but rejected it on the merits.