An American-Kuwaiti journalist, Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who was detained by Kuwaiti authorities last month for re-posting videos related to the US-Israeli conflict, has been acquitted, according to his international legal team. Shihab-Eldin was charged with spreading false information, harming national security, and misusing his mobile phone, which raised concerns about media freedom in the region. His London-based barrister, Caoilfhionn Gallagher, stated that he has been found innocent of all charges and is expected to be released shortly.
Kuwaiti authorities have yet to comment on the case, which is part of a broader trend where governments in the Gulf have detained numerous individuals for sharing media regarding Iranian attacks during the ongoing conflict. The Committee to Protect Journalists, a US-based watchdog, expressed relief over the acquittal, emphasizing the importance of Shihab-Eldin's safety following his prolonged detention.
Shihab-Eldin, known for his contributions to major outlets like the BBC and Al Jazeera, had been visiting family in Kuwait when he shared verified footage of a US fighter jet crash on his Substack account. His arrest followed this incident, with international observers noting that his charges were connected to the dissemination of verified news reports.
This incident escalates concerns over press freedoms prevalent in the Middle East, especially about legislation recently enacted in Kuwait that penalizes individuals who disseminate information perceived as damaging to national security. Activists continue to monitor the state of media freedoms and advocate for the rights of journalists in the region.
Kuwaiti authorities have yet to comment on the case, which is part of a broader trend where governments in the Gulf have detained numerous individuals for sharing media regarding Iranian attacks during the ongoing conflict. The Committee to Protect Journalists, a US-based watchdog, expressed relief over the acquittal, emphasizing the importance of Shihab-Eldin's safety following his prolonged detention.
Shihab-Eldin, known for his contributions to major outlets like the BBC and Al Jazeera, had been visiting family in Kuwait when he shared verified footage of a US fighter jet crash on his Substack account. His arrest followed this incident, with international observers noting that his charges were connected to the dissemination of verified news reports.
This incident escalates concerns over press freedoms prevalent in the Middle East, especially about legislation recently enacted in Kuwait that penalizes individuals who disseminate information perceived as damaging to national security. Activists continue to monitor the state of media freedoms and advocate for the rights of journalists in the region.
