We, Qaboos bin Said, the Sultan of Oman
after perusal of the Basic Statute of the State promulgated by Royal Decree 101/96,
and in pursuance of public interest,
have decreed as follows
Article I
The provisions of this law shall apply to every person who works or has been working in a state establishment, in private establishments or associations of public benefit, or any other body in which the state or one of its establishments contributes to its capital or financial resources in any manner whatsoever.
The provisions of this law shall also apply to every person who is a member or was a member of the appointed or elected councils or the boards of directors of the establishments, associations, or bodies referred to in the first paragraph.
Article II
Without prejudice to the obligations imposed by laws and decrees, the persons addressed by the provisions of this law are prohibited from the following:
1. Broadcasting or publishing any news, statements, or rumours that undermine the prestige of the state authorities, or weaken confidence in them, inciting to that, or facilitating that for others by any means.
2. Obstructing the implementation of projects implemented by the state or one of its establishments, inciting to that, or facilitating that for others.
3. Disclosing any confidential information, data, or documents that he has access to by virtue of his position, work, or membership, or using them in any way to achieve personal benefit for himself or for others, inciting to that, or facilitating that for others.
4. Insulting any public official or employee, by word, action, or gesture, or assaulting him while carrying out the duties of his office, the work of his position, or during his participation in such capacity in any forum whatsoever.
Article III
The persons addressed by the provisions of this law shall abide by the provisions of laws and royal decrees in force, international treaties and agreements that are part of the law of the country, and other systems, regulations, and decisions implementing them. They are also prohibited from violating them.
Article IV
Whoever violates the provisions of this law shall be punished with the maximum punishments prescribed for them in the laws and systems in force.
Article V
This decree shall be published in the Official Gazette, and comes into force on the day following the date of its publication.
Issued on: 13 Muharram 1437
Corresponding to: 27 October 2015
Qaboos bin Said
Sultan of Oman
Published in Official Gazette 1121 issued on 1 November 2015.