Journalism is NOT a crime!

HRW calls on Kuwaiti authorities to immediately and unconditionally release American-Kuwaiti journalist, Ahmed Shihab-Eldin. His detention is emblematic of the tightening space for free expression in Kuwait and the use of vaguely worded national security charges to silence journalists.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who was visiting family in Kuwait, has not been seen since March 2, and is understood to face charges such as “spreading false information” and misusing his mobile phone.

Ahmed Shihab-Eldin's detention comes in the wake of further restrictions on freedom of expression imposed by Kuwaiti authorities following the outbreak of the armed conflict in the Middle East. Shihab-Eldin's social media posts prior to his arrest included publicly available images and videos pertaining to the conflict.

Journalism is not a crime. #FreeAhmed