Kuwait detains U.S.-Kuwaiti journalist amid Gulf crackdown on war-related footage

Kuwaiti authorities have detained U.S.-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who has not been seen for six weeks, according to a media watchdog, as Gulf states intensify a crackdown on war-related filming and online posts.

Shihab-Eldin, 41, had been visiting relatives in Kuwait and has not appeared publicly or posted online since 2 March, the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said on Monday.

The organisation said he faces charges including spreading false information, harming national security and misusing a mobile phone.

Kuwait introduced a law on 15 March that includes penalties of up to 10 years in prison for disseminating false rumours related to military bodies with the intent of undermining public confidence.

Government officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent by email and telephone.

Across the Gulf region, authorities have reported hundreds of arrests linked to filming sensitive sites affected by the Middle East conflict or sharing related material online.

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Iran launched retaliatory strikes on 28 February following U.S.-Israeli attacks, targeting U.S. military and energy facilities in neighbouring Gulf states.

Prior to his detention, Shihab-Eldin had shared publicly available videos and images connected to the conflict. His most recent posts on Substack include footage of a U.S. fighter jet crash near a U.S. air base in Kuwait.

He describes himself as an independent journalist who has worked with international outlets including the New York Times, HBO, Vice, PBS, BBC and Al Jazeera. It remains unclear whether he was working during his visit.

“Journalism not a crime”

"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."

Francesca Albanese, the U.N. special rapporteur for the Palestinian territories, also urged his release, describing him as a "journalist of rare strength, integrity and compassion."

Reuters could not independently verify the circumstances of his detention or the reported charges.

Kuwait’s Interior Ministry said on 28 February that residents should avoid filming missile interceptions, security personnel or related incidents, urging reliance on official sources.

On 2 March, state news agency KUNA reported arrests linked to violations affecting public security, including filming and circulating video clips.

Elsewhere, Qatar’s Interior Ministry said on 9 March that 313 people had been arrested for offences including spreading misleading information. In the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi police said on 8 April that 375 individuals had been detained in similar cases, with files referred to prosecutors.

Reuters could not confirm how these cases have progressed, and officials in Qatar and the UAE did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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