Qatar authorities have arrested more than 300 people for sharing images and what officials described as “misleading information” related to recent Iranian attacks, according to the country’s Ministry of Interior.
The arrests come amid rising tensions in the Gulf, as Iran has carried out drone and missile strikes targeting airports, military bases, energy facilities, and residential areas.
In a statement, the Ministry said the detainees had filmed and circulated videos, as well as spread rumours that could influence public opinion. The statement noted the arrests were for “filming and circulating video clips and publishing misleading information and rumours that could stir public opinion.”
Authorities confirmed that the arrested individuals were of various nationalities and were detained by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations through its Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes. Similar actions have been reported elsewhere in the Gulf region.
In Bahrain, four people were arrested for “filming and broadcasting clips about the effects of Iranian attacks and spreading false news,” while in Kuwait, three individuals were detained after a video circulated showing them mocking the security situation.
Residents in the United Arab Emirates have received text warnings that sharing sensitive images or reposting unverified information about attacks could result in legal consequences. The UAE Attorney General’s Office cautioned citizens and residents against filming or distributing footage of attack sites or damage caused by missiles or debris, according to the Emirates News Agency.
Saudi Arabia has issued similar warnings. Despite these restrictions, images and videos depicting missiles, drones, and the impact of the ongoing conflict continue to circulate widely on social media and messaging platforms.
