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Intel Update

Intel Update: January 2024

Decree Intel is a database of original Omani legal research material that provides explanatory notesoverviews of government entities, and summaries of Supreme Court cases and MJLA Fatwas.

New Content

Case Summary: Supreme Court (Criminal Circuit) 661/2016 (Public Interest as a Defamation Defence): A Twitter user was accused of violating the Cybercrime Law by insulting agents of a falaj for their role in depriving a public park of water, which led to the deterioration of the conditions of the park. The Supreme Court ruled that the competing intentions of the perpetrator (protecting public interest vs insulting certain individuals) must be weighed against each other when determining if a crime has taken place. In this case, the Supreme Court refused to overturn the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Nizwa finding him not guilty on the basis that the public interest intention outweighed the insult intention.

Overview of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation: The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي و ابتكار) is the entity responsible for overseeing higher education, scientific research, vocational training, and innovation in the Sultanate.

State Financial and Administrative Audit Institution: The State Financial and Administrative Audit Institution (جهاز الرقابة المالية والإدارية للدولة) is the entity responsible for auditing property owned by the state as well as certain entities.

Civil Aviation Authority: The Civil Aviation Authority (هيئة الطيران المدني) is the entity responsible for regulating civil aviation, meteorology, and certain climate affairs matters.