US-Kuwaiti journalist detained in Kuwait after social media posts, watchdog says
US-Kuwaiti Journalist Detained in Kuwait After Social Media Posts, Watchdog Says
Kuwaiti authorities have detained Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, an American-Kuwaiti journalist, following his online comments about the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The journalist, who has worked for the BBC, New York Times, and Al Jazeera, has not been seen since 2 March and is reportedly charged with disseminating inaccurate information.
Context of Previous Detentions
Kuwait and other Gulf Arab nations have previously arrested individuals for sharing footage of Iranian missile and drone strikes on their territory during the ongoing war. The military and health ministries have confirmed that these attacks resulted in three civilian deaths, two military personnel, and two border guards. Additionally, six US service members were killed, and three American fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti defenses.
Journalist’s Social Media Activity
On 2 March, Shihab-Eldin posted content on his Substack account, including a verified video of a US F-15 jet crashing near Kuwait City. He also shared photos claiming to show an American pilot who had ejected and landed in the al-Jahra area. The CPJ noted that the journalist was accused of spreading false information, endangering national security, and misusing his phone, describing these charges as “ambiguous and broad” tools to suppress independent reporting.
“We urge Kuwait to free Ahmed Shihab-Eldin and dismiss all charges against him,” said CPJ regional director Sara Qudah. “Journalism is not a crime, and his case exemplifies how national security laws are being used to limit media scrutiny and shape public perception.”
Government Actions and Legal Framework
Earlier this month, Kuwait’s interior ministry warned citizens to avoid sharing unverified videos and images, emphasizing that such actions are “closely tracked and swiftly addressed.” The information ministry has since referred individuals accused of violating media rules to prosecutors. Last month, Kuwait’s emir signed a decree to “safeguard the critical interests of military organizations,” which allows up to 10 years in prison for those who spread misleading content aimed at damaging military credibility.
The BBC has reached out to the Kuwaiti government for clarification. No immediate statement has been issued from Kuwaiti officials, leaving the journalist’s case under scrutiny amid concerns over press freedom.
