Oman reports more crimes by women in 2021

Muscat: Oman has witnessed a rise in criminal activities committed by juveniles and women in 2021, compared to 2020, according to figures published by the Public Prosecution.

Juvenile crimes referred to Public Prosecution, increased  by 50 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020. Seven hundred and forty juveniles under the age of 18  were accused of criminal activity in 2021, a significant rise from the 473 in 2020. Seven hundred and one of the accused were male, the other 39 being female.

Figures also showed that Oman witnessed a 21 per cent increase in crimes perpetrated by women. Some 3,637 women accused of criminal activity were brought before Public Prosecution in 2021. 58.4 per cent of the accused women were Omani, while 41.6 per cent were expats. In total, the number of accused brought before Public Prosecution was 34,873, out of which 28,201 were charged with criminal cases in 2021.

Muscat saw the highest number of defendants in 2021, with 13,914 people required to face Public Prosecution, recording an increase of 24 per cent over the previous year, followed by North Batinah (5,019 defendants, a 21 per cent increase), and Dhofar (4,455 defendants, 52 per cent increase, the largest percentage rise across the 11 governorates).

In contrast, Musandam recorded the fewest number of accused brought before Public Prosecution at 231 defendants, a decrease of 13 since the previous year.

Muscat was also where the highest number of crimes was referred to Public Prosecution, with 11,719 criminal charges, representing 41.6 per cent of all accusations brought before them. North Al Batinah (4,098 cases, 14.5 per cent) and South Al Batinah (2,737, at 9.7 per cent) recorded the highest numbers of referrals brought before Public Prosecution, after the capital.

Musandam also recorded the fewest number of crimes brought before Public Prosecution, at 148, which nevertheless reflected an increase of 0.5 per cent since 2020.