We, the undersigned, call on Kuwaiti authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Kuwaiti-American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin.
Shihab-Eldin, an award-winning journalist who posts prolifically on social media, was arrested in Kuwait on March 3, 2026. It is understood that authorities have charged him with spreading false information, harming national security, and misusing his mobile phone – vague and overly broad accusations that are routinely used to silence independent journalists.
In the days prior to his detention, Shihab-Eldin shared publicly available videos and images related to the Iran war. His recent posts included reposted videos verified by CNN and other international news outlets. None of his posts were photos or videos that he took himself.
His detention came amid military escalations during the Iran war, with Kuwaiti authorities – and other Gulf countries— imposing increasingly tight censorship over the press.
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