US-Kuwaiti journalist detained in Kuwait after social media posts, watchdog says
US-Kuwaiti Journalist Detained in Kuwait Following Social Media Posts
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that an American-Kuwaiti journalist has been held by Kuwaiti authorities after posting content related to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who has contributed to outlets like the BBC, New York Times, and Al Jazeera, has not been seen since March 2. The CPJ claims he is facing charges such as disseminating misinformation and endangering national security.
Detained for Social Media Activity
According to the CPJ, Shihab-Eldin was last spotted in Kuwait while visiting family. On March 2, he shared a verified video on his Substack account of a US F-15 fighter jet crashing near Kuwait City. He also posted images suggesting an American pilot had ejected and landed in the al-Jahra region. Kuwaiti officials have not yet responded to the detention.
“We urge Kuwait to free Ahmed Shihab-Eldin and dismiss all charges against him,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ’s regional director. “Journalism is not a crime, and his case highlights a trend of using national security laws to suppress critical reporting.”
Kuwait and other Gulf states have previously detained individuals for sharing footage of Iranian missile and drone strikes on their territory. The country’s military and health ministry reported that these attacks resulted in three civilian deaths, two soldiers, and two border guards. Additionally, six US service members were killed, and three F-15s were mistakenly downed by Kuwaiti air defenses.
Casualties Reported by Kuwaiti Authorities
Kuwaiti state media noted that the interior ministry recently advised the public to “avoid spreading rumors or sharing unverified videos and images.” It emphasized that such actions are “closely monitored and addressed firmly,” with offenders sent to legal authorities. Meanwhile, the information ministry stated that those accused of violating media rules and misleading the public have been referred to prosecutors.
The CPJ highlighted that the journalist’s charges—spreading false information, harming national security, and misusing his mobile phone—are “vague and overly broad accusations often used to silence independent voices.” The watchdog linked these charges to a broader pattern of leveraging security laws to control narratives. Earlier this month, the Kuwaiti emir issued a decree targeting “the supreme interests of military entities,” which allows up to 10 years in prison for spreading rumors or news that undermines confidence in the armed forces.
