Kuwaiti Authorities Detain American-Kuwaiti Journalist on Charges of Spreading False War-Related Information

# American-Kuwaiti Journalist Detained in Kuwait Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, an American-Kuwaiti journalist, was detained by authorities in Kuwait after commenting on videos and images related to the US-Israeli war with Iran, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. He has not been seen in public since 2 March. Shihab-Eldin was last seen on 2 March while visiting his family in Kuwait.

On 2 March, Shihab-Eldin shared on his Substack account a verified video showing a US F-15 fighter jet falling from the sky and crashing near Kuwait City. He also shared photos that he said showed an American pilot who had ejected and landed in the al-Jahra area. Kuwaiti authorities charged him with spreading false information, harming national security, and misusing his mobile phone.

Charges and Context of Detention The charges against Shihab-Eldin include spreading false information, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists.

He was also charged with harming national security and misusing his mobile phone by Kuwaiti authorities. BBC News reported these details based on information from the Committee to Protect Journalists. Kuwait and other Gulf Arab states have detained people for sharing footage documenting Iranian missile and drone attacks on their territory during the war.

Last month, Kuwait's emir issued a decree stipulating prison sentences of up to 10 years for anyone who disseminates news, publishes statements, or spreads false rumours related to military entities with the intent of undermining confidence in them. This decree was issued in the context of the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran.

Official Reports on War Casualties Kuwait's military and health ministry reported that Iranian attacks killed three civilians, two soldiers, and two border guards.

Six US service members have been killed in Kuwait. Three US fighter jets have been mistakenly shot down by Kuwait's air defences. Earlier this month, the Kuwaiti interior ministry urged members of the public to refrain from spreading rumours or sharing unverified videos and images.

The information ministry announced that individuals accused of violating media regulations and misleading the public have been referred to prosecutors. These announcements followed reports of Iranian attacks on Kuwaiti territory.

Broader Implications for Media in Kuwait The detention of Shihab-Eldin occurred amid heightened restrictions on sharing information about the war.

Kuwait's decree from last month targets dissemination of news or false rumours related to military entities. The Kuwaiti interior ministry's statement earlier this month addressed unverified content in the public domain. Kuwait's information ministry has referred accused individuals to prosecutors for media violations.

This follows detentions in Kuwait and other Gulf Arab states for sharing footage of Iranian attacks. The Committee to Protect Journalists provided details on Shihab-Eldin's case and the emir's decree.