NHRC Follows up the Case of Muawiya Al Rawahi

Following up the case of Muawiya Al Rawahi, Omani blogger who was accused of insulting the rulers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) contacted the Omani Embassy in the UAE yesterday to enquire about the situation of his trial, knowing that he is detained by the Emirati authorities since February 2015. After refusing the request of the Commission to visit Muawiya Al Rawahi in prison and attend the trial sessions, the Embassy is the only source of Information regarding the case and situation of the Omani blogger, noting that the Embassy assigned a lawyer for Mr. Al Rawahi and the diplomats there are attending all trial sessions as well as visiting him regularly. As a result to the voice recording that was attributed to Muawiya and that was spreading amongst the society; and to confirm whether the content of the recording is true, NHRC contacted the Omani Embassy in the UAE by telephone. The Embassy noted that the first period of Muawiya’s detaining place was unknown. It was not possible to know the type of treatment he was receiving until his file was transferred to the court and was detained in Al Wathba prison. The Embassy also noted that they are following up the case of Muawiya constantly and confirmed that he is being prosecuted legally and his lawyer can visit him at any time. Al Rawahi also received medical care for his teeth and was provided an eyeglasses that he can use in prison. Regarding the course and progress of the case, the judge requested to form a medical committee to observe the medical reports issued by Khalifa Hospital which stated that Muawiya is actually suffering from a psychological condition. The Embassy confirmed that Mr. Saif bin Saqer, Prosecution chairman in the UAE, and the management of Al Wathba Prison are paying close attention to Muawiya’s heath condition; and he is given all health guarantees that prevent him from harming himself. NHRC believes in the justice of Muawiya’s legal proceedings and appeals the Emirati authorities to take all his medical reports into consideration especially that he had spent a long time in prison which might affect his health condition. It is worthy to mention that the final hearing of Al Rawahi’s case will be on 7 December 2015.