Detention of journalist in Kuwait raises questions about crackdown on freedom of speech

Ahmed Shihab-Eldin was arrested after reporting on friendly fire incident during US conflict with Iran Middle East crisis live – latest updates The detention of a prize-winning international journalist in Kuwait is raising questions about the crackdown on freedom of speech across the Middle East as a result of the US-Israel war with Iran, the Committee to Protect Journalists has warned. Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, a Kuwaiti-American dual national, was arrested on 3 March during a brief visit to Kuwait. Campaigners fear he is about to be charged under new security laws being introduced in Kuwait, and possibly in a new security court. Many Gulf states, fearing the erosion of internal national unity, are using anti-terror laws to restrict publicity about attacks on its infrastructure. Campaigners are not certain what social media posting has led to Shihab-Eldin’s detention. He recently posted social media footage of a US air force F- 15 E Strike Eagle crashing in al Jahra west of Kuwait city. On his Substack he said the pilot and weapons officer had successfully ejected and survived. He added that video circulating online showed local residents assisting one of the crew in a civilian truck. T