CHAPTER THREE. The Public Rights and Duties
Article 15
Nationality is regulated by the Law and it is not permissible to denaturalise or revoke it except within the limits of the Law.
Article 16
It is not permissible to deport, exile, or prevent Citizens from returning to the Sultanate.
Article 17
All Citizens are equal before the Law and share the same public rights and duties. There shall be no discrimination amongst them on the ground of gender, origin, colour, language, religion, sect, domicile, or social status.
Article 18
Personal freedom is guaranteed according to the Law, and it is not permissible to arrest a person, search, detain, imprison, subject to residence detention, or restrict his freedom of residency or movement except in accordance with the provisions of the Law.
Article 19
It is not permissible to detain or imprison in places other than those designated for such purpose under the laws of prisons, where health and social care are provided.
Article 20
No person shall be subjected to physical or psychological torture, inducement or demeaning treatment. The Law stipulates punishment of whomever commits such acts. Any statement or confession proven to have been obtained under torture, inducement, demeaning treatment, or the threat of any of these acts, shall be deemed void.
Article 21
There shall be no crime except by virtue of a Law. There shall be no punishment, except for acts subsequent to the entry into force of the Law wherein such acts are stated. Punishment shall be personal.
Article 22
The accused is innocent until proven guilty in a legal trial in which the essential guarantees to exercise his right of defence in accordance with the Law are guaranteed. It is not permissible to harm an accused either bodily or mentally.
Article 23
The accused has the right to appoint a person capable of undertaking his defence during the trial. The Law shall define the circumstances where the presence of a lawyer on behalf of the accused is required, and shall ensure, for those who are financially unable, the means to seek judicial redress and defend their rights.
Article 24
Any person who is arrested or detained shall immediately be informed of the reasons for his arrest or detention. He has the right to contact whomever he wants to inform him of what has taken place or to get his assistance in the manner regulated by the Law, and he shall be promptly informed of the charges against him. He or his representative shall have the right to petition the court against the action restricting his personal freedom. The Law shall regulate the right of petition in a manner which ensures that the disposal of the petition will be within a specified period, failing which he must be released.
Article 25
Litigation is a protected right and it is guaranteed to all people. The Law shall prescribe the procedures and conditions necessary to exercise this right, and the State shall guarantee, as far as possible, the approximation of judicial authorities to litigants and the prompt settlement of cases.
Article 26
It is not permissible to conduct any medical or scientific experiment on any human being without his free consent.
Article 27
Residences are inviolable. It is not permissible to enter them without the permission of their residents, except in the cases specified by the Law and in the manner stipulated therein.
Article 28
The freedom to practice religious rites according to recognised customs is protected, provided it does not violate the public order or contradict morals.
Article 29
The freedom of opinion and expression thereof through speech, writing and other means of expression is guaranteed within the limits of the Law.
Article 30
The freedom of correspondence by post, telegraph, telephone conversations, and other means of communication is protected and its confidentiality is guaranteed. It is not permissible to monitor, search, disclose the confidentiality of, delay, or confiscate the same, except in cases specified by the Law and in accordance with the procedures stated therein.
Article 31
The freedom of the press, printing, and publishing is guaranteed according to the terms and conditions prescribed by the Law. Anything that leads to discord, affects the security of State, or prejudices human dignity or rights, is prohibited.
Article 32
The Citizens have the right to assemble within the limits of the Law.
Article 33
The freedom of forming societies on national basis, for legitimate objectives, by peaceful means, and in a manner that does not conflict with the provisions and objectives of this Basic Statute, is guaranteed in accordance with the terms and conditions prescribed by the Law. It is prohibited to form societies the activity of which is adverse to the order of society, secretive, or of a military nature. It is not permissible to force anyone to join any society.
Article 34
The Citizens have the right to address public authorities on personal matters or matters in connection with public affairs, in the manner and conditions specified by the Law.
Article 35
Every foreigner who is legally present in the Sultanate shall enjoy protection for himself and his property in accordance with the Law. He shall observe the values of the Society and respect the traditions and sentiments thereof.
Article 36
The extradition of political refugees is prohibited. Laws and international treaties shall determine the rules for the extradition of criminals.
Article 37
Defending the Nation is a sacred duty, and coming forward to serve the armed forces is an honour for the Citizens regulated by the Law.
Article 38
Preserving the national unity and safeguarding the secrets of the State is a duty incumbent upon every Citizen.
Article 39
Paying taxes and public dues is a duty according to the Law.
Article 40
Respecting the Basic Statute of the State, the Laws and orders issued by the public authorities in their implementation thereof, observing public order, and respecting public morals is a duty incumbent upon all residents of the Sultanate.
