US-Kuwaiti journalist detained in Kuwait after social media posts, watchdog says
US-Kuwaiti Journalist Held in Kuwait Over Social Media Posts, Rights Group Reports
Authorities in Kuwait have detained an American-Kuwaiti journalist following his online commentary about the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who has contributed to outlets such as the BBC, New York Times, and Al Jazeera, has not been seen since March 2, the CPJ stated in a Tuesday release. The group claims he is facing accusations of distributing misleading information, which it describes as overly broad charges commonly used to suppress independent media.
Kuwaiti officials have not yet responded to the detention. However, the Gulf nation and other regional states have previously detained individuals for sharing footage of Iranian missile and drone strikes on their territory during the ongoing war. Such actions led to casualties, including three civilians, two soldiers, and two border guards, while six US military personnel were killed and three American fighter jets were mistakenly downed by Kuwait’s air defenses.
Journalist’s Posts Spark Controversy
On March 2, Shihab-Eldin posted videos and images on his Substack platform, including a verified clip of a US F-15 jet crashing near Kuwait City. He also shared photos depicting an American pilot who had ejected and landed in the al-Jahra region. The CPJ noted that these posts were not necessarily false, yet Shihab-Eldin was charged with endangering national security and misusing his mobile device.
“We urge Kuwait to free Ahmed Shihab-Eldin without conditions and dismiss all charges against him,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ’s regional director. “His case highlights how national security laws are increasingly used to muzzle critical reporting and control public perception.”
The BBC has sought clarification from the Kuwaiti government. Earlier this month, the interior ministry instructed citizens to avoid spreading unverified content, stating that such activities are “closely tracked and punished swiftly.” Meanwhile, the information ministry announced that those accused of violating media guidelines and deceiving the public are now under legal review.
Legislation Targets Military Narratives
Recently, Kuwait’s emir signed a decree to “protect military entities from undermining public trust,” as per the CPJ. The law allows up to 10 years in prison for anyone spreading false claims or misleading statements about military operations. Shihab-Eldin’s detention is seen as part of this broader trend, where national security measures are leveraged to limit scrutiny of government actions. The CPJ emphasized that his case exemplifies this pattern, urging the government to act swiftly to uphold press freedoms.
