US-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin acquitted of all charges

Ahmed Shihab-Eldin (Photo courtesy of Grace Rivera)

The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes a Kuwaiti court’s acquittal of U.S.-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin on all charges following nearly two months of detention. 

“We are relieved that Ahmed Shihab-Eldin has been found innocent after 52 days in detention,” said CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg. “Ahmed’s freedom and safety remain our topmost priority and we will continue to closely monitor his case.”

Ahmed, is an award-winning journalist who has contributed to The New York Times, PBS and Al Jazeera English, among others. He had not posted online since March 2, while visiting family in Kuwait, and was arrested on March 3.

Lawyers for Shihab-Eldin’s sisters said on April 23 that Ahmed had been acquitted.

National Press Club statement on the acquittal of American-born journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin in Kuwait

WASHINGTON — National Press Club President Mark Schoeff Jr. issued the following statement on the acquittal of American-born journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin in Kuwait:

“We welcome the news that Ahmed Shihab-Eldin has been acquitted after being detained by Kuwaiti authorities for the past seven weeks.

“Although Shihab-Eldin’s acquittal is a great relief for journalists everywhere, his detention represents a clear deterioration of press freedom and the freedom of expression in Kuwait and across the Gulf during the ongoing Iran war. 

“Laws that broadly criminalize the dissemination of information in the name of national security can have a chilling effect on journalists and the public’s right to know. Journalism is not a crime. 

“By detaining Shihab-Eldin, Kuwaiti authorities have signaled that sharing or reporting content that runs counter to official government narratives on the conflict will invite retribution, including jail time or worse. These tactics must end, and journalists must be free to report facts without fear of harassment or imprisonment.” 

About the National Press Club:

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world’s leading professional organization for journalists. With 2,500 members, the Club is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.