More than 1,000 people have been arrested across Gulf states for sharing information or opinions related to the Iran-US-Israeli war, in what Amnesty International has described as a “widespread crackdown” on freedom of expression.
Issued on: 02/06/2026 - RFI
Since the start of the war in the Middle East, the Gulf States have severely restricted their rules on freedom of speech, sometimes punishing citizens for publishing videos and content related to the war. Here, people film the Dubai fountain, 27 May 2026 (illustration). © Fatima Shbair / AP
In a statement released on Monday, the human rights organisation accused members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman – of “indiscriminately criminalising the exchange of information” under the pretext of national security.
Heba Morayef, Amnesty International’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, said the arrests reflect an entrenched pattern of repression.
“These governments are exploiting the escalation in regional tensions to intensify their already suffocating grip on freedom of expression, in order to protect their pristine image as safe havens,” she said.
According to Amnesty’s findings, the UAE and Qatar account for the majority of cases, with more than 700 of the documented arrests.
Authorities in Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar issued official statements announcing their arrests of hundreds of people for filming and sharing videos about the interception of missiles or projectile damage.
In several cases, arrests were made for “glorifying” a hostile state and its military leadership, which appears to refer to expressing sympathy with Iran.
Between 3 March and 8 April, UAE authorities detained at least 375 people – including dozens of British nationals – for allegedly publishing or sharing videos and other visual content related to the Middle East conflict.
In Qatar, 313 individuals of various nationalities were arrested between 28 February and 9 March for disseminating what authorities described as “misleading information” or rumours.
In a statement released on Monday, the human rights organisation accused members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman – of “indiscriminately criminalising the exchange of information” under the pretext of national security.
Heba Morayef, Amnesty International’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, said the arrests reflect an entrenched pattern of repression.
“These governments are exploiting the escalation in regional tensions to intensify their already suffocating grip on freedom of expression, in order to protect their pristine image as safe havens,” she said.
According to Amnesty’s findings, the UAE and Qatar account for the majority of cases, with more than 700 of the documented arrests.
Authorities in Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar issued official statements announcing their arrests of hundreds of people for filming and sharing videos about the interception of missiles or projectile damage.
In several cases, arrests were made for “glorifying” a hostile state and its military leadership, which appears to refer to expressing sympathy with Iran.
Between 3 March and 8 April, UAE authorities detained at least 375 people – including dozens of British nationals – for allegedly publishing or sharing videos and other visual content related to the Middle East conflict.
In Qatar, 313 individuals of various nationalities were arrested between 28 February and 9 March for disseminating what authorities described as “misleading information” or rumours.
This handout satellite image courtesy of Vantor shows damage following a drone attack on a high-rise apartment building in Bahrain's capital Manama on March 2, 2026. The Gulf countries have long been seen as islands of stability in the Middle East, but the war in the region could threaten their prosperity, analysts said, pointing to risks to their revenues and reputations as business safe havens. © AFP - - 2026 Vantor
Amnesty stressed that such actions – including sharing images or commentary – are not criminal offences under international law. The organisation said Gulf authorities have relied on “vaguely formulated and excessively broad” provisions within cybercrime, counter-terrorism and national security legislation.
In Kuwait and Bahrain, repression has gone further, with authorities stripping individuals of their nationality. Kuwait has revoked the citizenship of more than 1,200 people by decree, without providing reasons. In Bahrain, at least 69 individuals and their families face similar measures for alleged support of Iran.
Amnesty warned that arbitrary deprivation of nationality violates international law, particularly when used as punishment for peaceful expression.
In Saudi Arabia, the number of arrests has been lower, but Amnesty highlighted increasing restrictions on access to information. According to Meta, Saudi authorities requested in April that 144 accounts be restricted over content related to regional conflicts and political satire.
A journalist in Riyadh told Amnesty that the environment of fear has severely limited reporting. “No one speaks openly about what is happening or how they feel,” he said.
Amnesty concluded that the measures adopted by Gulf states go “far beyond” what is permitted even during armed conflict, calling for the immediate release of those detained solely for exercising their right to free expression.
(With newswires)
Amnesty stressed that such actions – including sharing images or commentary – are not criminal offences under international law. The organisation said Gulf authorities have relied on “vaguely formulated and excessively broad” provisions within cybercrime, counter-terrorism and national security legislation.
In Kuwait and Bahrain, repression has gone further, with authorities stripping individuals of their nationality. Kuwait has revoked the citizenship of more than 1,200 people by decree, without providing reasons. In Bahrain, at least 69 individuals and their families face similar measures for alleged support of Iran.
Amnesty warned that arbitrary deprivation of nationality violates international law, particularly when used as punishment for peaceful expression.
In Saudi Arabia, the number of arrests has been lower, but Amnesty highlighted increasing restrictions on access to information. According to Meta, Saudi authorities requested in April that 144 accounts be restricted over content related to regional conflicts and political satire.
A journalist in Riyadh told Amnesty that the environment of fear has severely limited reporting. “No one speaks openly about what is happening or how they feel,” he said.
Amnesty concluded that the measures adopted by Gulf states go “far beyond” what is permitted even during armed conflict, calling for the immediate release of those detained solely for exercising their right to free expression.
(With newswires)
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