Iran War: Social Media Posts in Gulf Countries Risk Imprisonment or Exile

Since the war between the US and Israel against Iran began two months ago, Gulf countries have taken action against individuals for social media posts deemed a threat to national security. Authorities have detained people and imposed penalties including imprisonment and exile. New directives have further limited judicial appeals, and in some cases, citizenship has been revoked through the misuse of existing laws.

After stripping 157 people of their citizenship, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior stated, “Bahraini nationality has been revoked for those who praise Iranian measures, show sympathy towards them, or maintain contact with foreign parties.” Security forces have intensified surveillance of social media users and activists. International and local human rights organizations have condemned these measures, citing serious infringements on freedom of thought and expression.

Detainees in Bahrain and Kuwait come from diverse backgrounds, including journalists, influencers, human rights defenders, and ordinary citizens. These countries have accused these individuals of attempting to incite ethnic conflict, spreading misinformation, misusing mobile phones, and threatening state security. Some Gulf states imposed bans early in the conflict on collecting and publishing videos or information about Iranian attacks within their territories.

Recently, Kuwait introduced new nationality legislation while Bahrain issued royal decrees. According to a Kuwaiti activist requesting anonymity, wartime provisions have been applied to monitor online activities. Security checkpoints have been set up in public areas where officials check people’s mobile phones for messages, photos, and voice notes.