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.
Ahmed Shihab-Eldin had been visiting his family in Kuwait when he was last seen on March 2, after sharing on his Substack account a verified video of a US F-15 fighter jet crashing near Kuwait City.
His international legal team claimed he was arrested the day after his post and had been detained since. They stated that the charges were based on re-posting images verified by international media.
Following the verdict, Gallagher expressed relief and emphasized that the legal team's focus would now be on ensuring Shihab-Eldin's freedom and safety.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has also expressed relief at the acquittal, reaffirming its commitment to closely monitor his situation.
