Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, a 41-year-old journalist, has reportedly been detained in Kuwait and has not been seen publicly or online for over six weeks, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
The watchdog stated that Shihab-Eldin has been charged with spreading false information, harming national security, and misusing his mobile phone. His disappearance follows a broader regional crackdown across Gulf countries on individuals accused of filming or sharing content related to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Kuwait recently introduced a new law on March 15 that includes strict penalties for spreading what authorities define as false rumours concerning military entities. The provision allows for prison sentences of up to 10 years if such information is deemed to undermine confidence in national security institutions.
Prior to his detention, Shihab-Eldin had shared publicly available material related to the conflict, including posts referencing incidents such as a reported fighter jet crash near a US base in Kuwait. His last known activity online was on March 2.
The case has drawn international concern. The Committee to Protect Journalists has called for his immediate release, stating that journalism should not be treated as a criminal offence. Francesca Albanese also urged authorities to free him, describing him as a credible and principled journalist.
The situation is part of a wider pattern across the Gulf region. Authorities in countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have reported hundreds of arrests linked to filming sensitive locations, sharing videos of military activity, or spreading information considered misleading during the conflict period.
Kuwait’s Interior Ministry had earlier warned residents against recording or circulating footage related to military operations or security forces, urging reliance on official sources instead.
As of now, there has been no formal public response from Kuwaiti authorities regarding the specific details of Shihab-Eldin’s detention, and independent verification of the charges remains limited.
