MUSCAT: The Royal Oman Police (ROP) announced on Thursday, June 26, 2025, that it has taken into custody an Omani woman and a Syrian resident for allegedly producing and sharing video clips deemed to contravene public morals and decency laws. The announcement, issued by the Times News Service, underscores the authorities’ ongoing efforts to enforce Oman’s moral standards in both physical and digital spaces ([timesofoman.com][1]).
According to a press release by the ROP’s Directorate General of Inquiries and Criminal Investigation, the two suspects were apprehended in connection with multiple incidents involving the distribution of the contested videos. The statement confirms that investigators uncovered evidence linking the pair to several social-media posts, prompting their immediate detention as legal proceedings commence ([muscatdaily.com][2]).
The videos in question circulated rapidly across popular platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram and TikTok, drawing widespread attention and complaints from members of the public. ROP officials characterized the content as “offensive” and in clear violation of statutes designed to safeguard public decency, noting that the clips trivialized cultural norms and provoked community outrage ([timesofoman.com][1]).
Under Oman’s Penal Code (Royal Decree 7/2018), Article 268 specifically addresses the use of electronic media to transmit material contrary to public morals, prescribing penalties of up to one month’s imprisonment and fines ranging from OMR 100 to OMR 300. Convicted individuals may also face additional administrative sanctions, including restrictions on residency status for expatriates. The ROP has reiterated its call for responsible online behavior and warned that further breaches will be met with similar or even more stringent enforcement measures
