Kuwait Acquits US-Kuwaiti Journalist Detained Over Social Media Posts

Fri Apr 24 2026 15:21:55 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, an American-Kuwaiti journalist, has been acquitted after facing charges related to his social media posts about the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. His case highlights rising concerns over press freedom in the region.

Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, a journalist with dual US-Kuwaiti citizenship, has been acquitted of charges stemming from his social media activity, including the sharing of videos related to the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Detained for 52 days, Shihab-Eldin faced accusations of spreading false information and harming national security. The acquittal is viewed with relief by both his legal team and organizations advocating for press freedom, who continue to monitor the situation closely amid broader concerns over media suppression in Kuwait.

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.

Ahmed 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.

Shihab-Eldin, a journalist who has contributed to the BBC, New York Times, and Al Jazeera, shared a verified video showing a US F-15 fighter jet crashing and images of an American pilot who ejected and landed in Kuwait on March 2. He was arrested shortly thereafter and faced charges for re-posting images verified and posted by the international media.

"We are relieved that, after 52 days in detention, Ahmed has been found innocent on all charges," Gallagher remarked. She emphasized the ongoing focus on ensuring Shihab-Eldin's liberty and safety as they await further news.

Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists, expressed a sense of relief regarding Shihab-Eldin's acquittal, stating, Ahmed's freedom and safety remain our topmost priority and we will continue to closely monitor his case.

Earlier this month, the Kuwaiti interior ministry urged the public to refrain from spreading rumors or sharing unverified content related to the conflict, indicating a strict stance taken by the state against such actions.

The CPJ notes that new legislation could impose severe penalties for those disseminating information deemed harmful to military entities, reflecting growing censorship in the region.