A number of Omani citizens held late last year on charges of endangering the country's security are linked to a banned organisation. Oman's Attorney-General Hussain Bin Ali Al Hilali said in a statement that the authorities are close to completing an investigation into the matter. "The people held recently have links with a banned organisation," said the statement released through the official news agency ONA on Friday. The Sultanate had announced earlier this year the arrest of an unspecified number of people, saying they were suspected of endangering Oman's security. However, authorities have refrained from releasing any details about the banned organisation that they are allegedly connected with.Al Hilali said: "The investigations are nearing completion and those held will appear before the concerned court soon." He assured that all the rights stipulated in the State Basic Law and other related laws were taken into account. "The accused will have the right to appoint lawyers to defend them in the court," he added. He also said whatever be the verdict, it would be announced in the media. The statement issued by the Public Prosecution said, "After a detailed investigation and a collection of evidence, the existence of this banned organisation has been confirmed."
The statement said as per the criminal law, the arrests were carried out and house searches conducted. The statement said the charges have been framed and interrogation was carried out only after a judicial order. Justifying the detentions, the statement said the authorities concerned have found evidence to prove the involvement of the accused with the banned organisation. "Therefore, the Public Prosecution issued orders to detain them for further investigations," Al Hilali said.