Washington, DC, April 25 (ANI): The United States State Department has confirmed the release of Kuwaiti-American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who had been detained in Kuwait for more than 50 days, following diplomatic intervention by the Trump administration.
Officials stated that Shihab-Eldin has been freed and permitted to leave the country. While confirming his safe departure from Kuwait, the State Department declined to provide additional details, citing privacy considerations.
According to reports, Shihab-Eldin was taken into custody on March 3 while visiting family members in Kuwait. He faced allegations including spreading false information, harming national security, and misusing his mobile phone.
The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomed the development. Its CEO, Jodie Ginsberg, said the organization was relieved by his release after 52 days in detention.
“These are vague and overly broad accusations that are routinely used to silence independent journalists,” the organization said, emphasizing that his safety and freedom remained a top priority.
Before his arrest, Shihab-Eldin—who has worked with major international outlets including the BBC, Al Jazeera, and The New York Times—had reportedly shared footage of a US fighter jet crash near an American military base in Kuwait.
His detention came amid heightened restrictions in the Gulf nation, including warnings issued by Kuwait’s Interior Ministry against sharing images of missiles or sensitive military sites. A related decree imposes penalties of up to 10 years in prison for actions deemed to undermine the military or erode public trust.
The Trump administration reportedly prioritized the case through diplomatic channels, reiterating that the safety and security of American citizens abroad remains a top priority.
A representative for the journalist’s family has since confirmed his acquittal.
Meanwhile, the Gulf Centre for Human Rights reported that dozens of individuals have been detained in similar cases tied to freedom of expression amid rising regional tensions.
During his detention, advocacy groups had urged public support for the journalist using social media campaigns calling for his release. (ANI)
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