Story perspectives

Kuwaiti Journalist Acquitted After 52-Day Detention Over F-15 Video

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, an American-Kuwaiti journalist, was acquitted on April 23 after 52 days in detention.
He was tried for reposting a verified video of a U.S. F-15 mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.
Barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC said the journalist would be released imminently.
The National Press Club welcomed the acquittal, noted a decree imposing ten-year prison terms for false military rumors, and reported CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg’s relief.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 1971 6-2 ruling in New York Times Co. v. United States barred prior restraints on publishing the Pentagon Papers, establishing a precedent that shields journalists. Decades later, on April 23 2024 Kuwait’s court acquitted reporter Ahmed Shihab-Eldin for reposting a U.S. F-15 video, invoking the same First-Amendment protection.

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Story summary

Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, an American-Kuwaiti journalist, was acquitted on April 23 after 52 days in detention.
He was tried for reposting a verified video of a U.S. F-15 mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.
Barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC said the journalist would be released imminently.
The National Press Club welcomed the acquittal, noted a decree imposing ten-year prison terms for false military rumors, and reported CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg’s relief.

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