US-Kuwaiti journalist held in Kuwait over social media posts acquitted, lawyers say

{ "title": "Kuwait Acquits US-Kuwaiti Journalist Detained for Social Media Posts", "content": "A US-Kuwaiti journalist who was detained by Kuwaiti authorities for reposting content related to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran has been acquitted of all charges, his legal team announced on Thursday.\n\nAhmed Shihab-Eldin, a journalist who has contributed to the BBC, the New York Times, and Al Jazeera, was arrested on March 3 after sharing a verified video of a US F-15 fighter jet crashing near Kuwait City and photos of a pilot who ejected. The jet was one of three mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.\n\nHe faced charges of spreading false information, harming national security, and misusing his mobile phone, according to his international legal team. London-based barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, who represented him, confirmed the acquittal, stating, "We are relieved that, after 52 days in detention, Ahmed has been found innocent on all charges. Our focus now is upon ensuring the liberty and safety of our client."\n\nJodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), expressed relief, saying, "Ahmed's freedom and safety remain our topmost priority."\n\nKuwaiti authorities have not commented on the case. Earlier this month, the interior ministry urged the public to avoid sharing unverified videos and images, warning of legal action. The country's emir also issued a decree imposing prison sentences of up to 10 years for disseminating false information related to military entities.\n\nThe BBC has reached out to the Kuwaiti government for comment."