Muscat, April 02: Nearly 60 people have been arrested at a protest demanding the release of those detained in a government crackdown in the Omani city of Sohar.
The arrests were made after security forces clashed with hundreds of people following the Friday Prayers.
Protesters were calling for the release of hundreds of detainees arrested during the six weeks of demonstrations to demand better wages, jobs and an end to corruption,
At least one protester, Khalifa al-Alawi, was killed after being shot in the head when security forces opened fire. Security forces also used teargas, water cannons and batons to disperse the crowd.
Moreover, five protesters were reportedly injured, with one being in critical condition.
In the capital Muscat, around 150 protesters gathered outside of the Attorney General’s office to demand the release of detainees. No clashes were reported as dozens remained outside the Public Prosecution building on Saturday.
Friday’s crackdown came three days after security forces violently removed protests camped out at a roundabout in Sohar.
People continue to demonstrate in the country despite the introduction of some moderate reforms by Sultan Qaboos. Qaboos has reshuffled the cabinet and promised to create 50,000 new jobs for Omani citizens and to allocate 150 Riyals (USD 390) for the unemployed.
Qaboos, who has been ruling Oman for over 40 years, has banned the formation of political parties in the country.
—Agencies