Persons accused of seeking to topple Qaboos regime deny accusations, ask for pardon
Oman, Politics, 4/26/2005

A specialized Omani court in the state security affairs resumed consideration in the case of a group of 31 persons detained three months ago under the charge of belonging to a secret organization and seeking to topple the ruling system by means of armed force in order to bring in the "Imam system" which was abandoned in 1959.

Before the trial, the police showed the press weapons said to be seized with the group including 40 machine guns, pistols and large amounts of ammunitions.

The authorities only permitted the local media to attend the sessions of the trial which lasts for three days amid ordinary security measures. The accused persons appeared in traditional Omani costumes and their hands were not tightened. They stood behind a wooden barrier of not more than one meter height.

The group denied attempt to topple the ruling regime saying they only seek to disseminate the principles of the Abadi sect. Despite that, most members of the group asked for pardon from Sultan Qaboos as they can appeal to him for that before their appeal to the supreme court.

The defense team, which the government appointed part of, considered that owning weapons does not indicate an attempt to topple the regime because having one peace of weapon is an Omani tradition, considering that the accusation might be only confined to illegal ownership of weapons.

Previous Stories:
  Oman tries a secret Abadi organization   (4/19/2005)
  Oman discloses extremists group that includes remarkable figures   (4/15/2005)
  Oman and Syria to boost trade relations   (3/31/2005)

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