US-Kuwaiti journalist detained in Kuwait after social media posts, watchdog says
US-Kuwaiti journalist detained in Kuwait after social media posts, watchdog says
Detained Journalist Faces Charges Over Posts on US-Israeli Conflict
Kuwaiti authorities have detained an American-Kuwaiti journalist, Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, following his social media comments about the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The journalist has not been seen since March 2 and is reportedly under investigation for allegations such as disseminating false information, the CPJ stated in a recent report.
The CPJ has urged Kuwait to release Shihab-Eldin without conditions, highlighting that the charges against him are described as “vague and overly broad accusations routinely used to silence independent journalists.” The organization emphasized that journalism itself is not a crime, and Shihab-Eldin’s case exemplifies a trend of employing national security laws to restrict media scrutiny and shape public narratives.
“We call on Kuwait to release Ahmed Shihab-Eldin and drop all charges against him,” said CPJ regional director Sara Qudah. “Journalism is not a crime, and Shihab-Eldin’s case reflects a broader pattern of using national security laws to stifle scrutiny and control the narrative.”
Context of Detentions in Gulf Arab States
Kuwait and other Gulf Arab nations have previously detained individuals for sharing footage of Iranian missile and drone attacks on their territory during the ongoing conflict. The country’s military and health ministries confirmed that such attacks have led to three civilian deaths, two military personnel, and two border guards. Additionally, six US service members were killed, and three American fighter jets were mistakenly downed by Kuwaiti air defenses.
Shihab-Eldin, who has contributed to the BBC, New York Times, and Al Jazeera, was last seen in Kuwait visiting family on March 2. That day, he posted on his Substack account a verified video of a US F-15 jet crashing near Kuwait City, along with images he claimed depicted an American pilot who had ejected and landed in the al-Jahra region.
Government Actions and Legal Framework
Kuwait’s interior ministry recently instructed citizens to “refrain from spreading rumors or sharing unverified videos and images,” as reported by state media. It also noted that such activities are “being closely monitored and dealt with firmly, with violators referred to the relevant authorities for legal action.”
The information ministry has announced that individuals accused of violating media regulations and misleading the public are now under prosecution. Last month, Kuwait’s emir issued a decree targeting the “supreme interests of military entities,” which includes prison sentences of up to 10 years for anyone who “disseminates news, publishes statements, or spreads false rumors related to military entities” with the aim of undermining public trust.
The BBC has reached out to the Kuwaiti government for further comment. As of now, no official statement has been released from the authorities regarding Shihab-Eldin’s detention or the specific charges against him.
