Referring to my post from July 16th, I've calmed down a little bit and am not so furious. I still think it's pretty stupid to insult His Majesty in public in Oman at this time. However, after seeing the photos of the detainees on the evening news and in the newspaper and after watching half the population of Salalah exchange Muna's photo, I feel ill. Was it really necessary to publish her photo? Why should a young college student who was a little naive on her Facebook page be treated like a drug dealer or murderer? (those are the only cases when Oman will publish a photo as far as I know). Her poor family.
And something else.... His Majesty the Sultan has been out of the country since late April on his Euro-tour and he returned safely this afternoon as far as I know via Qatar. This is just me thinking out loud, but do you think he's aware of all that's been going on? I'm referring to all the 'details'. I don't feel this is his personal battle against all who insult him. In fact, I don't think he cares personally. He is loved and respected by everyone. I keep comparing him in my head to the Queen Elizabeth. She is loved by many many many people worldwide, not just in England. If some idiot chose to exercise his freedom of expression by insulting her, I don't think it would be a big deal. Why is Oman so uptight about this?
Why is this a big deal? Why has this become a big deal? Having foolishly published photos of all these detained poets and writers and university students in local newspapers and on television, I feel locals have gone from being furious at the detainees to being furious at the government. ESPECIALLY in Salalah. Things are going to get messy. I feel it. I see it.
Freedom cannot be misused....
ReplyDeleteOk. Dhofari girl post on Facebook is very very very stupid. I think the government did the right thing in sharing their names and photos (yes, I do!!) Everyone will see its ok to insult HM the Sultan and get away with it. Sharing an idea is one thing, public insult is another. You may say its unfair to pick on college students, I say these are the future teachers to our children and I won't like someone with that mentality to pour stupidity inside my child's brain! Just saying!
ReplyDeleteD385
in Medieval Europe the pillory has been used, in Oman Oman News Agency is used to discredit someone.
ReplyDeleteMa Sha Allh. half of Slalah exchanging pictures....You are very entertaining
ReplyDeleteMrs. Furious خف علينا
I have completely mixed feelings like you. I HATE IT when people dare to insult His Majesty, and I also hate that Omanis have very little freedom of speech. It's a difficult situation.
ReplyDeleteMohammed Al Rawas
As you predicted, human rights organizations got all excited!
ReplyDeleteF.
News Flash! The Sultan is human!! He is not perfect!! He did not do all the work in Oman by himself! It is so strange how Omanis treat the Sultan! He is human! Trust me--he has reaped quite handsomly for his work!! He and his "inner cirle" are quite wealthy!!
ReplyDeleteHa, dear anon, point me one Omani who has worked as hard as HM did for Oman for over forty years! Retirement age in Oman is 60 and HM is 71 now and still working for his country. But you're right, he has had great help from many expats.
ReplyDeleteOmanization not yet a complete succes for a reason. I don't need to spell out what post 1970 Omani men are like in the capital area.
(ps. Dear Nadia, it is not my intention to insult any hard working Omani citizen but it pains me to see this last post posted on Omani renaissance day)
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