CPJ Urges Kuwait To Release U.S.-Kuwaiti Reporter Ahmed Shihab-Eldin Amid Vague Security Charges

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for the immediate release of Kuwaiti-American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who was reportedly detained in Kuwait on March 3 under newly enforced security and misinformation rules.

According to CPJ, Shihab-Eldin — a prolific social media user and former reporter for outlets including The New York Times, HuffPost, BBC, Al Jazeera and Vice News — was last seen in public and last posted online on March 2 while visiting relatives in Kuwait. Friends and family publicized his disappearance this week in hopes that wider attention would help secure his release.

The exact charges have not been publicly disclosed. CPJ says it understands Shihab-Eldin faces allegations of "spreading false information, harming national security, and misusing his mobile phone," which the press-rights group described as "vague and overly broad accusations that are routinely used to silence independent journalists."

"We call on Kuwait to release Ahmed Shihab-Eldin and drop all charges against him," said Sara Qudah, CPJ Regional Director. "Journalism is not a crime."

CPJ and colleagues say Shihab-Eldin posted video footage of a U.S. fighter jet crash near a U.S. base in Kuwait shortly before his detention. Observers note the footage was already in the public domain and had been shared by other outlets. CNN Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward told reporters that Shihab-Eldin did not add commentary to the clip and that the post alone should not warrant detention.

Kuwaiti authorities have rolled out a series of new warnings and legal measures since the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran conflict. On March 2, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior warned the public against sharing photographs or information related to missiles or sensitive locations. The Kuwait Times reported a decree that would allow penal sentences of up to 10 years for actions that "undermine the prestige of the military or deliberately work toward eroding public trust in them." Khalid Ibrahim, Executive Director of the Gulf Centre for Human Rights, told CPJ that dozens of people have been arrested across the region in cases related to freedom of expression since the conflict began.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is calling for the immediate release of American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who is currently being detained in Kuwait.

Colleagues and friends of Shihab-Eldin have described him as a compassionate reporter who amplifies underserved communities. Journalist Caroline Modarressy-Tehrani called his detention an "alarming reminder of how vulnerable journalists are in this current moment," while former colleague Luke Wahl urged Americans to press for Shihab-Eldin’s release.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson, speaking to Fox News Digital, said the U.S. government is aware of reports of Shihab-Eldin’s detention and reiterated that assisting detained Americans abroad is a priority. The spokesperson noted consular assistance is provided "in accordance with our authorities under U.S. and international law," but declined to provide further details, citing privacy considerations.

CPJ is monitoring press freedom violations linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict and its regional fallout. The organization has documented nine journalists killed, seven injured, and 16 others targeted, threatened or harassed in connection with the crisis. CPJ is urging supporters to sign a petition and keep attention on the case using the hashtags #FreeAhmed, #FreeAhmedEldin and #JournalismIsNotACrime.

Shihab-Eldin’s detention highlights broader concerns about the use of national security and misinformation laws to restrict reporting and public discussion in the Gulf region. Press freedom groups say clear, narrowly defined legal standards and due process are essential to protect journalists and the public’s right to information during times of heightened tension.

What to watch: whether Kuwaiti authorities formally charge Shihab-Eldin, whether consular access is granted, and whether international pressure from press freedom groups and diplomatic channels affects his status.