US-Kuwaiti journalist detained in Kuwait after social media posts, watchdog says
Kuwait Detains US-Kuwaiti Journalist Over Social Media Content, Watchdog Reports
Authorities in Kuwait have detained an American-Kuwaiti journalist, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who has not been sighted since March 2, is reportedly charged with distributing misinformation, as reported by the press freedom organization.
Kuwait and other Gulf Arab states have previously detained individuals for sharing footage of Iranian missile and drone strikes on their territory during the ongoing conflict. The military and health ministry noted that these attacks resulted in three civilian deaths, two soldiers, and two border guards. Additionally, six US service members were killed in the region, with three fighter jets mistakenly downed by Kuwaiti air defenses.
Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, known for his contributions to BBC, New York Times, and Al Jazeera, was in Kuwait visiting relatives when he was last spotted 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 showed an American pilot who had ejected into the al-Jahra area.
CPJ Criticizes Charges as “Vague and Broad”
The CPJ stated that Shihab-Eldin is facing accusations of spreading false information, endangering national security, and misuse of his mobile phone. These charges, the watchdog noted, are “vague and overly broad” and are often used to suppress independent reporting.
“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.”
Kuwaiti authorities have yet to issue a formal statement on the matter. Earlier this month, the interior ministry warned the public to “refrain from spreading rumours or sharing unverified videos and images,” emphasizing that such actions are “being closely monitored and dealt with firmly, with violators referred to the relevant authorities for legal action.”
Meanwhile, the information ministry announced that individuals accused of violating media regulations and misleading the public have been forwarded to prosecutors. Last month, Kuwait’s emir issued a decree aimed at “securing and protecting the supreme interests of military entities,” which includes up to 10 years in prison for anyone who “disseminates news, publishes statements, or spreads false rumours related to military entities” with the goal of undermining their credibility.
