In brief
Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, a US-Kuwaiti journalist, has been acquitted after being detained for reposting images and videos concerning the US-Israeli conflict. His acquittal has raised concerns about press freedom and government surveillance in the Gulf region, with authorities previously urging citizens against sharing unverified content.
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, they have detained hundreds for sharing footage documenting Iranian attacks on their territory during the conflict.Ahmed Shihab-Eldin had been visiting family in Kuwait when he was last seen on March 2, after sharing a verified video showing a US F-15 fighter jet crash near Kuwait City. His legal team indicated he faced charges related to reposting verified images from international media.Following 52 days in detention, Gallagher expressed relief over the acquittal and indicated that ensuring Shihab-Eldin's safety and liberty remains their priority. The Committee to Protect Journalists also expressed satisfaction with the verdict, underscoring ongoing concerns regarding media freedoms in Kuwait amidst government warnings against sharing unverified content and severe penalties for related offenses.
