Story perspectives

Kuwait Frees Journalist Over US F-15 Video, CPJ Praises

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Kuwaiti court acquitted journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin of all charges, ending his 52-day detention after his March 2 Substack post of a U.S. F-15 crash video.
The Committee to Protect Journalists and CEO Jodie Ginsberg welcomed the verdict and will monitor his safety.
Kuwaiti authorities have not commented, though the interior ministry warned against sharing unverified war footage and cited a decree allowing prison terms for false rumors about military entities.

History

Historical Context

In 2020, Kuwait enacted a decree imposing prison terms for spreading false rumors about military entities, reflecting increased government control over information amid regional tensions. The Committee to Protect Journalists, established in 1981, advocates for press freedom and has documented numerous journalist detentions. Ahmed Shihab-Eldin's acquittal after 52 days in custody highlights the ongoing struggle between state authority and journalistic expression in Kuwait.

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Story summary

A Kuwaiti court acquitted journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin of all charges, ending his 52-day detention after his March 2 Substack post of a U.S. F-15 crash video.
The Committee to Protect Journalists and CEO Jodie Ginsberg welcomed the verdict and will monitor his safety.
Kuwaiti authorities have not commented, though the interior ministry warned against sharing unverified war footage and cited a decree allowing prison terms for false rumors about military entities.

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