CPJ urges Kuwait to free detained journalist amid crackdown
Rights group warns of growing media repression as disappearance of Ahmed Shihab-Eldin raises global alarm
WASHINGTON (MNTV) — The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on Kuwaiti authorities to immediately release Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, warning that his detention reflects an escalating crackdown on press freedom in the Gulf state.
The journalist, known for his work with major outlets including The New York Times, PBS, and Al Jazeera English, has not been seen publicly or posted online since March 2 while visiting family in Kuwait.
Authorities are believed to have charged him with broadly defined offenses such as spreading false information, threatening national security, and misusing communication devices—allegations frequently criticized by rights groups as tools to silence dissent.
CPJ officials strongly condemned the detention, stressing that journalism should not be treated as a criminal act. The organization warned that such charges are increasingly being used to restrict independent reporting and control public narratives during sensitive political and military developments.
Before his disappearance, Shihab-Eldin had been actively sharing verified content related to the Iran war, including analysis of publicly available footage. Among his posts was a geolocated video, reportedly verified by CNN, showing a U.S. fighter jet crash near a military base in Kuwait.
His detention came shortly after authorities issued warnings against publishing or sharing information related to Iranian military activity. Kuwait’s Interior Ministry announced arrests of individuals accused of spreading what it described as false news in the early days of the conflict.
The case also coincides with the introduction of a new law aimed at protecting military institutions. Enacted in March, the legislation imposes prison sentences of up to 10 years for disseminating information deemed harmful to the reputation or credibility of security forces.
Rights advocates argue that the law’s vague language allows for sweeping interpretations, potentially criminalizing legitimate journalism and public interest reporting.
Further concerns emerged following the reported detention of Yitzchak Horowitz, who said he was briefly held and questioned after photographing U.S. naval vessels in Kuwaiti waters. He was later released without formal charges.
The CPJ noted that Kuwait has faced increasing scrutiny over its treatment of journalists. In a recent submission to the United Nations Human Rights Council, the organization documented what it described as a worsening environment for media freedom in the country.
Despite requests for clarification, Kuwaiti officials have not publicly responded to inquiries regarding Shihab-Eldin’s whereabouts or legal status.
The case has intensified calls from international observers for greater transparency and accountability, with rights groups urging Kuwait to uphold its commitments to freedom of expression and the protection of journalists.
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