Amnesty Int'l accuses Oman of using excessive force against protesters

London, March 1, IRNA - Amnesty International has called on Omani authorities to rein in their security forces after at least two people were reportedly killed when police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at anti-government protesters over the weekend.

'The Omani security forces appear to have used excessive force against protesters,' said Malcolm Smart, Amnesty’s director of its Middle East and North Africa program.

'We urge the government to order an immediate independent investigation to determine whether the force used by the police was excessive, as it appears was the case, and to ensure accountability,” Smart said.

The call came after demonstrators began another protest in the northern city of Sohar and in the southern town of Salalah on Monday after at least two people were killed over the weekend.

“The government must respect the right of people to engage in peaceful protest and ensure that they can do so without fear or threat', Smart said.

He also called on Omani authorities to ensure that the security forces “comply fully with international standards on the use of force and firearms.”/end