Qatari authorities detain over 300 people for circulating videos and ‘misleading information’ during Iranian attacks, echoing regional crackdowns.
DOHA: Qatari authorities have arrested 313 people for sharing images and what they described as “misleading information” during days of attacks by Iran.
The interior ministry said those arrested “filmed and circulated video clips and published misleading information and rumours that could stir public opinion”.
The individuals of “various nationalities” were held by the Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes.
This crackdown echoes similar security measures being taken across the Gulf region as Iran targets key infrastructure with daily drones and missiles.
In Bahrain, four people were arrested for “filming and broadcasting clips about the effects of Iranian attacks and spreading false news”.
Kuwaiti authorities also arrested three people over a video showing them mocking the situation in the country.
Residents in the United Arab Emirates have received text messages warning of legal action for sharing sensitive images.
The UAE attorney general’s office warned against “filming, publishing, or circulating images and videos documenting incident sites or damage”.
Saudi Arabia has issued similar public warnings to its citizens.
Despite these official cautions, images of missiles, drones and war damage continue to circulate widely on social media and in private group chats.
