Oman : We are Not Against Sultan - Protestors
MUSCAT, Mar 1 (Times of Oman) : Over 400 protestors staged a demonstration for five-hours at a stretch in front of the Majlis Al Shura building in Seeb yesterday, demanding the government to draft a new constitution and seeking the trial of the ROP chief for the firing on the protestors in Sohar on Sunday.
“We need a new constitution, an official apology from the authorities concerned to the family of the people who died in Sohar firing and more power to Majlis Al Shura,” said Basma Al Kiyumi, a demonstrator, adding the government should sack the corrupt ministers and set up a better social welfare system.
Citizens of all age groups and from all walks of life took part in the peaceful protest. “Providing unemployment allowances and 50,000 jobs will not pacify us. There are other serious issues which have to be dealt with. We need social justice and equality. So we are sticking to our new demands,” she added.
Assurance
“If the police had handled the situation in Sohar wisely then the mishap would not have happened. The policemen are the main culprits. They should be tried in court,” she demanded.
The protestors also tried to enter the Majlis building to hold talks with the Majlis members, but the security personnel stopped them at the gate. The protestors were shouting slogans against the police and some ministers. They were also carrying placards saying ‘No to Corruption’ and ‘Enough is Enough’ in English and Arabic.
A few Majlis members came out of the building and assured the protestors that they will convey their grievances to the authorities concerned.
The Majlis members also supported the citizens’ rights to hold peaceful protests and air their grievances.
“We are not against His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. We are against corrupt ministers and the rude and arrogant police. We are not against the government. We are demanding equality and justice,” Khaleel Mohammed, another protestor, said.
The demonstrators gathered at the Majlis building after getting messages on mobile phones and social networking sites.
“We come from different strata of the society. But here, we all are one,” said Mohammed Saleh Al Ma’amari, a protestor.
There were employed and unemployed youngsters among the protestors. Some are still studying and some others are looking for “a decent livelihood”.
The demonstrators said that they will continue the protests till their demands are met.
“Even if it takes a year or two, we will be here till our demands are met,” they added.