According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, an American-Kuwaiti Journalist was detained by Kuwaiti authorities after sharing content online related to the conflict between the United States and Israel as well as Iran.
Reporter Missing since March
Authorities detained him while he was visiting his family in Kuwait. According to the watchdog group, he faces several charges including spreading false news.
Kuwaiti officials have yet to make a statement publicly about this case.
The War Content Charge
According to reports, the accusations stemmed from online posts Shihab Eldin shared. A video of a US F-15 fighter plane crashing in Kuwait City was included. The images he shared allegedly show a pilot that had ejected from his aircraft and land in Al-Jahra.
The authorities accuse him that he has misused his phone and harmed national security. These charges, say rights groups, are often vague and used as a way to limit independent reporting.
Increased crackdown on online content
Kuwait and the other Gulf states have tightened their controls over online activity. Officials warned the public not to post videos and images that are unverified, particularly those associated with military operations.
Authorities in the area have arrested several people for sharing footage showing Iranian drone and missile attacks.
Kuwait Reports Casualties
Kuwaiti officials claim that Iranian attacks caused many deaths. Three civilians, as well as two soldiers and two borderguards are among the dead.
Instances involving military gear have occurred as well. Kuwait’s Air Defense Systems accidentally shot down 3 US fighter planes during this conflict.
Demands for immediate Release
The Committee to Protect Journalists urged Kuwaiti officials to immediately release Shihab Eldin and to drop all charges.
