US-Kuwaiti Journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin Acquitted in Kuwait

Fri Apr 24 2026 03:54:12 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, a US-Kuwaiti journalist detained over allegations linked to social media posts about the US-Israeli conflict, has been acquitted by a Kuwaiti court, prompting relief from human rights organizations.

Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, an American-Kuwaiti journalist, has been acquitted of charges related to spreading false information and misuse of his mobile phone after being detained in Kuwait for 52 days. His arrest was connected to social media posts about the US-Israeli conflict. The Committee to Protect Journalists expressed relief at the verdict, emphasizing the ongoing monitoring of his safety.

An American-Kuwaiti journalist who was detained by authorities in Kuwait last month after he reposted videos and images related to the US-Israeli war with Iran has been acquitted, according to his international legal team.

Ahmed Shihab-Eldin was charged with spreading false information, harming national security, and misusing his mobile phone. On Thursday, London-based barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC stated that Shihab-Eldin had been found innocent of all charges and was expected to be released imminently.

Kuwaiti authorities have not commented on the case, but they have detained hundreds of people for sharing footage documenting Iranian attacks during the conflict. Shihab-Eldin, who has contributed to the BBC, New York Times, and Al Jazeera, was arrested after sharing a verified video of a US F-15 fighter jet crash near Kuwait City.

His legal team expressed relief after 52 days in detention, confirming that he was acquitted of all charges. Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists, emphasized that Ahmed's freedom and safety remain a priority for the organization.

The case highlights ongoing concerns over press freedom in Kuwait, where recent legislation has about 10-year prison sentences for those deemed to undermine military confidence through misinformation.