Oman punishes Internet whistle-blower

LIFE IS TOUGH in Oman if you decide to tell the world plus dog that your government ordered the information ministry to try to stop anti-government criticism on a popular radio programme.

An Omani court fined Ali al-Zowaidi 200 rials (£400) for leaking a 'confidential government document' on an Internet forum.

True, it cleared him of charges of publishing an article on alleged corruption in government-controlled telecom company Omantel, but apparently the memo was considered naughtier. µ

L'INQ
AP