Sohar(Oman), March 05: Around 500 young men staged a demonstration Friday in the city of Sohar to demand political reforms by the Oman government and an increase in minimum wages.
Security forces stayed in the background, reports said, after last week’s violent clashes resulted in a number of deaths and injured.
Friday’s demonstrators demanded punishment for corrupt government members and a cabinet reshuffle, while also calling for greater participation by citizens in the sultanate’s decision-making.
After last week’s protests, Sultan Qaboos reportedly moved to meet some of the demands, and additional jobs for young people were created.
Political analysts note that in contrast to the recent events in Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen and Libya, the criticism in Oman has not been directed at the Oman ruler himself.
—–IANS