Saturday, Mar 05, 2011
Gulf News
Government orders inquiry into the death of the first victim as protesters gather in many areas
Inquiry set up to investigate death of first victim of protests in Sohar
Muscat Peaceful protests were held yesterday in Sohar, Salalah and Muscat as a large number of people joined in and even offered prayers at the venues.
Meanwhile, the government has ordered an inquiry into the death of the first victim Abdullah Bin Ali Bin Mohammad Al Ghamlasi, and to conduct an autopsy. The inquiry will be transparent and will be made public. A congregation of over 2,000 people offered Friday prayers at the Globe Roundabout.
“It was much more organised gathering and peaceful,” an eyewitness told Gulf News from Sohar.
He said that roads, however, continued to be blocked, cutting off access to the roundabout for vehicular traffic. For a few hours in the afternoon yesterday, residents of Sohar experienced connection problems with their mobiles and internet. However, by 4pm their problems were over. The protesters also continued their sit-in outside the Shura office in Muscat as speakers took turn to air their views through a megaphone while volunteers marshalled the traffic throughout Thursday evening and yesterday afternoon.
The number of protesters in Salalah swelled to over 8,000 as people offered Friday prayers at the Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar’s Office parking area, which is now popularly called ‘Freedom Square’.
Writing about the huge gathering in support of protesters in Salalah, Bolger Nadia, who writes under the name of Dhofari Gucci, wrote: “Despite the fact that there were thousands there, it was extremely quiet and peaceful. No violence. Just prayers.”
Oman
By Sunil K. Vaidya?Bureau Chief
Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.
