UN Experts Raise Alarm Over Journalist’s Arrest in Kuwait

Shihab-Eldin, a dual citizen of the United States and Kuwait of Palestinian descent, was reportedly arrested while visiting family in Kuwait in March 2026.

United Nations human rights experts have voiced serious concern over the arrest, detention and prosecution of journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin in Kuwait, warning that the case may represent retaliation for his professional reporting. Shihab-Eldin, a dual citizen of the United States and Kuwait of Palestinian descent, was reportedly arrested while visiting family in Kuwait in March 2026. According to the experts, he was forcibly disappeared for four days, during which his whereabouts were unknown, before being held in detention for nearly two months.

The experts said the circumstances surrounding the case appear to violate fundamental rights, including protection against arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance. They expressed concern that the actions taken against the journalist may be directly linked to his reporting on military activities connected to tensions involving Iran, the United States and Gulf countries, including Kuwait.

Charges seen as threat to press freedom

Authorities accused Shihab-Eldin of spreading false information, harming national security and misusing a mobile phone. He was later acquitted of the false information charge but convicted on the remaining two offences. Although no formal punishment was recorded, he was released under a six-month pledge of good conduct. Shortly after his release, Kuwaiti authorities revoked his citizenship.

UN experts said charges such as spreading false news and harming national security are often broadly defined and can be misused to restrict freedom of expression and suppress legitimate journalism. They stressed that journalists must be able to report on matters of public interest without fear of arrest, intimidation or legal retaliation.

The experts also argued that the revocation of citizenship appeared unusually swift and may have been punitive in nature. They noted concerns that the move could form part of a wider pattern affecting individuals of Palestinian origin and may breach international protections against arbitrary deprivation of nationality.

Wider concerns raised about new laws and detention conditions

The case comes amid broader changes to Kuwait's legal framework, including the introduction of new laws covering reporting on military institutions, terrorism-related offences and specialised prosecution and court structures. According to the experts, these developments could increase the risk of criminal laws being used against journalists, activists and other independent voices, potentially narrowing civic space and limiting public debate.

The UN specialists also highlighted concerns about detention conditions in Kuwait. Reports received by the experts point to poor treatment of detainees and allegations that at least three people have died in custody after being denied necessary medical care. The experts said they have formally raised the matter with both the Kuwaiti Government and the Government of the United States.

They called for safeguards to ensure freedom of expression, due process rights and protection for journalists carrying out their work in the public interest. The case is expected to attract continued international attention as discussions between the governments and human rights bodies continue.