US-Kuwaiti journalist detained in Kuwait after social media posts, watchdog says
US-Kuwaiti Journalist Detained in Kuwait After Social Media Posts, Watchdog Says
An American-Kuwaiti journalist has been taken into custody by Kuwaiti authorities following comments he made on social media about the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, reported the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who has worked for outlets including the BBC, New York Times, and Al Jazeera, disappeared on 2 March. The CPJ claims he is being charged with disseminating false information, a move it calls “vague and overly broad accusations” often used to suppress independent reporting.
Earlier this month, Kuwait’s interior ministry instructed citizens to “refrain from spreading rumours or sharing unverified videos and images,” as stated in state media. It emphasized that such actions are “being closely monitored and dealt with firmly, with violators referred to the relevant authorities for legal action.” The information ministry has also confirmed that individuals accused of violating media regulations and misleading the public are now under prosecution.
Kuwaiti officials have cited Iranian missile and drone strikes as justification for detaining individuals who share footage of these attacks. The military and health ministry reported that these strikes have resulted in three civilian deaths, two soldiers, and two border guards. Additionally, six US service members were killed, while three F-15 fighter jets were mistakenly downed by Kuwait’s air defenses.
Shihab-Eldin was last seen on 2 March while visiting family in Kuwait. On that day, he posted on his Substack account a verified video of a US F-15 crashing near Kuwait City. He also shared photos depicting an American pilot who had ejected and landed in the al-Jahra region. The CPJ stated that Shihab-Eldin is facing charges of spreading false information, damaging national security, and misusing his mobile phone.
“We call on Kuwait to release Ahmed Shihab-Eldin and drop all charges against him,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ regional director. “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.”
Last month, Kuwait’s emir issued a decree aimed at “securing and protecting the supreme interests of military entities.” The legislation allows up to 10 years in prison for anyone who “disseminates news, publishes statements, or spreads false rumours related to military entities” with the intent of undermining their credibility.
The BBC has reached out to the Kuwaiti government for a response. While authorities have yet to comment, the CPJ continues to highlight the case as part of a growing trend of employing national security laws to target journalists in the region.
