US-Kuwaiti journalist detained in Kuwait after social media posts, watchdog says
US-Kuwaiti Journalist Detained in Kuwait After Social Media Posts, Watchdog Says
Authorities in Kuwait have detained Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, an American-Kuwaiti journalist, following his remarks on videos and images depicting the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The journalist has not been seen since 2 March and is reportedly charged with distributing misleading information, the press freedom group stated in a Tuesday statement.
Shihab-Eldin, who has contributed to outlets such as the BBC, New York Times, and Al Jazeera, was last spotted with his family in Kuwait on that date. He shared a verified clip of a US F-15 fighter jet crashing near Kuwait City and photos he claimed showed an American pilot who had ejected and landed in the al-Jahra area.
CPJ’s Concerns
The CPJ criticized the charges as “vague and overly broad accusations” commonly used to suppress independent media. The group called for Shihab-Eldin’s release and for the dismissal of all charges, emphasizing that “journalism is not a crime” and that his case highlights the use of national security laws to limit critical reporting.
“We urge Kuwait to free Ahmed Shihab-Eldin and drop all charges against him,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ’s regional director.
Kuwaiti authorities have yet to respond directly, though the government has previously detained individuals for sharing footage of Iranian missile and drone strikes on Gulf territory during the ongoing war. These actions have led to significant casualties, including three civilians, two soldiers, and two border guards, while six US service members and three fighter jets were also lost to Kuwait’s air defenses.
Legal Framework
Earlier this month, the interior ministry warned citizens against spreading unverified content, stating that such behavior was being “closely monitored and dealt with firmly.” The information ministry added that those accused of violating media guidelines had been forwarded to prosecutors for legal proceedings.
Kuwait’s emir recently issued a decree to “secure and protect the supreme interests of military entities,” which includes up to 10 years in prison for anyone who “disseminates news, publishes statements, or spreads false rumors” aimed at undermining trust in the armed forces.