Ahmed Shihab-Eldin Freed After Acquittal in Kuwait

The case raises renewed concerns over online speech restrictions for journalists in the Gulf

Kuwaiti-American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin has been released from detention in Kuwait after being acquitted of all charges following a 52-day legal case. He was arrested on 3 March 2026 over social media posts linked to military activity and charged with spreading false information and harming national security. On 23 April, a court found him not guilty, leading to his release and departure from the country. Press freedom groups had criticized the case as part of growing restrictions on online expression. His detention drew international concern, with advocates warning about the impact of national security laws on journalism in the region.

To read the full story: https://tjcproject.org/kuwaiti-american-journalist-ahmed-shihab-eldin-released-after-acquittal-and-leaves-kuwait-following-weeks-in-detention/