US-Kuwaiti journalist detained in Kuwait after social media posts, watchdog says

Authorities in Kuwait have detained an American-Kuwaiti journalist following his social media remarks about the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The journalist, Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, has been missing since March 2 and is reportedly under investigation for disseminating false information, according to the press freedom watchdog.

The CPJ has urged for his immediate and unconditional release. However, Kuwaiti authorities have not yet responded to the report. This incident occurs amid ongoing tensions in the region, where Gulf Arab states have detained individuals for sharing footage documenting Iranian missile and drone strikes on their territory.

Kuwait’s military and health ministry reported that Iranian attacks have killed three civilians, two soldiers, and two border guards. Additionally, six US service members have been killed in the area, while three American fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwait’s air defenses. Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who contributed to outlets such as BBC, New York Times, and Al Jazeera, was last seen in Kuwait while visiting his family on March 2.

Posts linked to military incidents

On that day, Shihab-Eldin shared on his Substack account a verified video of a US F-15 fighter jet falling from the sky and crashing near Kuwait City. He also posted photos claiming to show an American pilot who had ejected and landed in the al-Jahra area. The CPJ stated it understood that Shihab-Eldin was charged with spreading false information, harming national security, and misusing his mobile phone.

“We call on Kuwait to release Ahmed Shihab-Eldin and drop all charges against him,” said CPJ regional director Sara Qudah. “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.”

Earlier this month, the Kuwaiti interior ministry asked the public to “refrain from spreading rumours or sharing unverified videos and images,” according to state media. It emphasized that such actions were “being closely monitored and dealt with firmly, with violators referred to the relevant authorities for legal action.”

Meanwhile, the information ministry announced that individuals accused of violating media regulations and misleading the public have been referred to prosecutors. Last month, Kuwait’s emir issued a decree aimed at “securing and protecting the supreme interests of military entities.” Under this legislation, prison sentences of up to 10 years could be imposed on anyone who “disseminates news, publishes statements, or spreads false rumours related to military entities” with the intent of undermining confidence in them.