US-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin detained in Kuwait over war posts, CPJ says

Kuwaiti authorities have detained U.S.-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who has not been seen for six weeks, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The New York-based watchdog said the detention comes amid a wider Gulf crackdown on people filming or posting footage during the Iran war.

Shihab-Eldin, 41, was visiting family in Kuwait and has not posted online or appeared in public since March 2, CPJ said. The group said he has been charged with spreading false information, harming national security and misusing his mobile phone. Government spokespeople did not immediately respond to email and telephone requests for comment on his case.

The circumstances of his detention and the reported charges could not be independently verified. Kuwait enacted a law on March 15 that includes prison terms of up to 10 years for spreading false rumours related to military entities with the intent of undermining confidence in them.

The legislation was introduced as regional tensions intensified; Iran responded to U.S.-Israeli strikes from February 28 by targeting U.S. military and energy installations in neighbouring Gulf states. Before his detention, Shihab-Eldin had posted publicly available videos and images related to the war.

The last posts on his Substack account included footage showing 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 outlets including the New York Times, HBO, Vice, PBS, BBC and Al Jazeera.

It was unclear whether he was working in addition to seeing family during his visit. “We call on Kuwait to release Ahmed Shihab-Eldin and drop all charges against him,” CPJ regional director Sara Qudah said. “Journalism is not a crime.” Francesca Albanese, the U.N.

special rapporteur for the Palestinian territories, also called for his release, praising him as a “journalist of rare strength, integrity and compassion.” Kuwait’s Interior Ministry said on February 28 that the public should refrain from filming missile interceptions, sharing such footage on social media, or filming security personnel at work, urging residents to rely on official sources.

On March 2, state news agency KUNA reported arrests over violations affecting public security, including filming events and circulating video clips. The arrests could not be independently confirmed. Elsewhere in the Gulf, authorities have announced hundreds of arrests linked to filming sites affected by the Middle East conflict or sharing related material online.

Qatar’s Interior Ministry said on March 9 that 313 people of various nationalities had been arrested for filming and circulating video clips, spreading misleading information and rumours, and publishing material aimed at stirring public concern.

In the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi police said on April 8 that 375 people of various nationalities had been arrested over filming locations and sharing misleading information on social media in connection with “current events,” with cases referred to prosecutors.

It was not immediately clear how the cases have proceeded. There was no immediate response from Qatar to requests for comment.

A UAE official said numerous local and foreign media operate there “freely” in line with local laws that include prohibitions on entering restricted areas without a permit and taking photos where not allowed, adding that such measures are standard practice during periods of heightened security and intended to ensure stability.

CPJ continues to call for Shihab-Eldin’s release. As Gulf states enforce stricter rules on wartime content and digital activity, press freedom groups warn that journalists and social media users face growing legal risks across the region.