US-Kuwaiti journalist detained in Kuwait after social media posts, watchdog says
US-Kuwaiti Journalist Held in Kuwait Over Social Media Posts, Watchdog Reports
American-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin has been held in custody by Kuwaiti officials following his online comments about the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The journalist, who has not been seen since March 2, is reportedly charged with disseminating misleading information, as reported by the press freedom organization. The CPJ urged for his unrestricted release, highlighting concerns about the use of broad legal terms to suppress independent reporting.
Kuwaiti authorities have not yet issued a public statement on the case, though the country and other Gulf Arab nations have detained individuals for sharing unverified footage of Iranian strikes on their territory. Reports indicate that these attacks have resulted in three civilian deaths, two military personnel, and two border guards. Additionally, six U.S. service members were killed, and three American fighter jets were mistakenly downed by Kuwaiti air defenses.
Shihab-Eldin, a contributor to BBC, New York Times, and Al Jazeera, was last seen in Kuwait visiting his family on March 2. That day, he posted a verified video on Substack showing a U.S. F-15 jet descending near Kuwait City and claimed to have shared images of an American pilot who ejected in the al-Jahra region. The CPJ noted that the charges against him—such as spreading false information and misuse of a mobile phone—are described as “general and expansive allegations often used to silence media professionals.”
“We urge Kuwait to release Ahmed Shihab-Eldin and dismiss all charges,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ’s regional director. “Journalism is not a crime, and his situation exemplifies how national security laws are leveraged to limit critical reporting and shape public perception.”
Earlier this month, Kuwait’s interior ministry instructed citizens to “avoid circulating rumors or sharing unverified videos,” as per state media. It emphasized that such actions were being “closely tracked and addressed with strict measures,” with offenders directed to legal authorities. The information ministry also announced that those accused of breaching media guidelines were referred to prosecutors.
The emir of Kuwait recently signed a decree aimed at “safeguarding the strategic interests of military institutions.” Under this law, individuals who “propagate news, issue statements, or spread misinformation targeting military entities” could face up to a decade in prison, as stated by the CPJ. The organization linked Shihab-Eldin’s case to this broader legislative trend, which it argues enables authorities to control narratives and restrict press freedom.