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, who had been visiting his family in Kuwait, was arrested after sharing a verified video and images of a US F-15 fighter jet that crashed near Kuwait City. His legal team reported that charges were based on media-verified images. Jodie Ginsberg of the Committee to Protect Journalists expressed relief at the acquittal, emphasizing the continued monitoring of Shihab-Eldin's case. This incident reflects ongoing tensions regarding press freedom in Kuwait and the implications of sharing information during military conflicts.
Acquittal of US-Kuwaiti Journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin in Kuwait
Acquittal of US-Kuwaiti Journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin in Kuwait
Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, a journalist detained in Kuwait for social media posts related to the US-Israeli war, has been acquitted of all charges. His case highlights growing concerns over press freedom in the region.
Ahmed Shihab-Eldin was detained in Kuwait last month over social media posts about the US-Israeli conflict, facing charges of spreading false information. He has now been acquitted after 52 days in detention, a decision celebrated by press freedom advocates. Kuwaiti authorities remain silent on the case amid widespread criticism regarding restrictions on freedom of speech.
