In brief
Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, an American-Kuwaiti journalist, has been acquitted after being detained for more than 50 days for allegedly spreading misinformation related to the US-Israeli war. Prior to his arrest, Shihab-Eldin had shared verified media content about military events, leading to government scrutiny. The Committee to Protect Journalists expressed relief at the verdict, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding press freedom in the region.
Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, an American-Kuwaiti journalist who was detained by authorities in Kuwait last month after he re-posted videos and images related to the US-Israeli war with Iran, has been acquitted, according to his international legal team.
Shihab-Eldin was understood to have been charged with spreading false information, harming national security, and misusing his mobile phone.
On Thursday, London-based barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC said Shihab-Eldin had been found innocent of all charges and was expected to be released imminently. Kuwaiti authorities have not commented on the case.
However, Kuwait and other Gulf Arab states have said they have detained hundreds of people for sharing footage documenting Iranian attacks on their territory during the war.
Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, a journalist who has contributed to the BBC, New York Times, and Al Jazeera, had been visiting his family in Kuwait when he was last seen on March 2. On that day, he shared on his Substack account a verified video showing a US F-15 fighter jet crashing near Kuwait City, as well as photos that he said showed an American pilot who had ejected and landed in the al-Jahra area.
His international legal team, including Gallagher, reported that he was arrested the following day for re-posting images verified by international media.
The legal team's statement confirmed a verdict acquitting Shihab-Eldin after 52 days in detention. Gallagher expressed relief over the verdict and emphasized their priority is now ensuring Shihab-Eldin's freedom and safety.
Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), echoed this sentiment, stating, Ahmed's freedom and safety remain our topmost priority, and we will continue to monitor his case closely.
The BBC has reached out to the Kuwaiti government for further comment regarding this situation.
Earlier this month, the Kuwaiti interior ministry urged public members to refrain from spreading unverified videos, indicating that such actions would be closely monitored and may result in legal action against violators.
Legislation introduced could impose up to 10 years of imprisonment for anyone disseminating news or spreading false rumors about military operations, emphasizing the region's limited press freedom.
