Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, a Kuwaiti-American journalist detained in Kuwait since March 3, has been acquitted of charges including spreading false information and harming national security. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) confirmed the verdict on Thursday.
Key Takeaways
Kuwait has acquitted US-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin of charges related to spreading false information and harming national security. He was detained for 52 days after sharing verified videos of military incidents on social media.
- Kuwaiti-American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin acquitted after 52-day detention
- Charges included spreading false information, harming national security, misusing his mobile phone
- Acquittal confirmed by Committee to Protect Journalists and his legal team
- Shihab-Eldin expected to be released imminently
The 41-year-old, who has worked for outlets like PBS, HuffPost, the New York Times, BBC, and Al Jazeera, was arrested during a family visit after sharing verified videos of military incidents. According to CPJ, his posts included a geolocated video showing a US fighter jet crash near a Kuwaiti airbase.
The charges against Shihab-Eldin stem from Kuwait's recent security laws that criminalize spreading false information about military entities. The BBC reported that hundreds have been arrested in the Gulf region for sharing images of attacks during the Middle East conflict. As reported by BBC, his international legal team, including London-based barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, confirmed the acquittal and expected imminent release.
The CPJ expressed relief over the verdict but emphasized that Shihab-Eldin's freedom and safety remain a priority. The organization will continue monitoring the case. According to HuffPost, none of his posts contained original footage; he shared verified content from international media.
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