Kuwaiti authorities have detained American-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin after he commented on videos and images related to the US-Israeli war with Iran, according to multiple sources including BBC News, HuffPost, and Fox News. Shihab-Eldin, who has contributed to major outlets like BBC, The New York Times, and Al Jazeera, was last seen on March 2.
Key Takeaways
Kuwaiti authorities have detained American-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin after he shared verified videos and images related to the US-Israeli war with Iran on his Substack account. He faces charges of spreading false information, harming national security, and misusing his mobile phone.
- Ahmed Shihab-Eldin was last seen on March 2 while visiting family in Kuwait
- The Committee to Protect Journalists demands his immediate release, calling the charges vague and overly broad
- Shihab-Eldin shared a verified video of a US F-15 fighter jet crash near Kuwait City before his detention
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that Shihab-Eldin is facing charges including spreading false information, harming national security, and misusing his mobile phone. The CPJ called for his immediate and unconditional release, describing the charges as "vague and overly broad accusations that are routinely used to silence independent journalists." There was no immediate comment from Kuwaiti authorities.
Shihab-Eldin had been visiting his family in Kuwait when he shared a verified video on his Substack account showing a US F-15 fighter jet crashing near Kuwait City, along with photos of an American pilot who had ejected and landed in the al-Jahra area. According to 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."
The detention comes amid heightened media censorship in Gulf Arab states, including Kuwait, which have been detaining individuals for sharing footage documenting Iranian missile and drone attacks. The BBC has contacted the Kuwaiti government for comment, but no response was immediately available.
Friends and family of Shihab-Eldin went public with his case this week to raise awareness and secure his release. Former colleagues have expressed their support, emphasizing his thoughtful and compassionate reporting. The State Department has acknowledged reports of his detention and stated that the safety and security of Americans is a top priority.
The CPJ is monitoring press freedom violations related to the US war with Iran and its spillover across the Middle East, including Kuwait. The group has documented several incidents involving journalists in the region. A petition and social media campaign have been launched calling for Shihab-Eldin's release using the hashtags #freeahmed, #freeahmedeldin, and #journalismisnotacrime.
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