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.
Shihab-Eldin had been visiting his family in Kuwait when he was last seen on 2 March. That day, he shared a verified video showing a US F-15 fighter jet falling from the sky and crashing near Kuwait City, along with photos purporting to show an American pilot who had ejected and landed in the al-Jahra area.
His international legal team confirmed that he was arrested the following day, facing charges for re-posting images verified and posted by international media.
After 52 days in detention, his legal team expressed relief stating, Ahmed has been found innocent on all charges. Our focus now is on ensuring the liberty and safety of our client. Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists, echoed this sentiment, urging ongoing monitoring of Shihab-Eldin's safety.
Earlier this month, the Kuwaiti interior ministry urged the public to refrain from spreading rumours or sharing unverified videos and images, stating that violations would be dealt with firmly.
Kuwait's emir also issued a decree last month aimed at securing military interests, introducing potential prison sentences for disseminating news or spreading false rumors related to military entities.
