Kuwaiti authorities have detained US-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, which reported the case on Monday. The 41-year-old journalist has not appeared publicly or posted online since March 2 while visiting family in Kuwait. Moreover, officials have charged him with spreading false information, harming national security, and misusing his mobile phone.
In addition, Kuwait introduced a new law on March 15 that imposes prison terms of up to 10 years for spreading rumours related to military entities. Authorities argue that such measures protect national stability during heightened tensions. However, government representatives have not responded to requests for comment on the case.
Meanwhile, Gulf countries have increased arrests of individuals accused of filming sensitive locations or sharing conflict-related content online. This trend follows Iran’s response to US-Israeli strikes beginning February 28, which targeted military and energy sites across the region. Consequently, governments have intensified surveillance and enforcement.
Shihab-Eldin had shared publicly available war footage before his detention, including videos reportedly showing a US fighter jet crash near a base in Kuwait. Furthermore, he has worked with major international outlets, though his role during this visit remains unclear.
Human rights advocates have called for his release. A CPJ official stressed that journalism should not constitute a crime, while a UN expert also praised his work and urged authorities to drop charges. Similarly, officials in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates reported hundreds of arrests linked to online content. Authorities maintain that such actions ensure security, although critics argue they restrict press freedom.
