US-Kuwaiti Journalist Detained in Kuwait Over Social Media Posts, Watchdog Reports
An American-Kuwaiti journalist, Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, has been taken into custody in Kuwait following his online commentary on footage linked to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Since March 2, he has not been seen publicly and is reportedly under investigation for allegations such as circulating misleading information, the watchdog stated.
The CPJ emphasized that the charges against Shihab-Eldin—ranging from spreading falsehoods to compromising national security—appear to be “vague and overly broad,” often used to suppress independent media voices. The organization urged for his swift and unconditional release, stressing that journalism should not be equated with criminal behavior.
“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,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ’s regional director.
Kuwaiti authorities have not yet issued a public statement regarding his detention. However, the country has previously detained individuals for sharing unverified videos of Iranian missile and drone strikes on its territory during the conflict. Reports from the military and health ministries indicate that these attacks resulted in three civilian deaths, two military personnel, and two border guards.
Meanwhile, six US service members were also killed in the region, and three American fighter jets were mistakenly downed by Kuwait’s air defenses. Shihab-Eldin, who has worked with BBC, New York Times, and Al Jazeera, was last seen in Kuwait visiting family on March 2. On that day, he posted a verified video of a US F-15 jet crashing near Kuwait City, along with images he claimed depicted an American pilot landing in al-Jahra.
Kuwait’s interior ministry recently instructed citizens to “refrain from spreading rumours or sharing unverified videos and images,” as reported by state media. It highlighted that such actions are “being closely monitored and dealt with firmly, with violators referred to the relevant authorities for legal action.” The information ministry added that individuals accused of breaching media guidelines have been forwarded to prosecutors.
Last month, Kuwait’s emir signed a decree aimed at “securing and protecting the supreme interests of military entities.” The CPJ noted that this law allows prison terms of up to 10 years for those who “disseminate news, publish statements, or spread false rumours related to military entities” with the goal of undermining public trust in them.
