Rights groups accuse Gulf governments of using security laws to suppress online speech
A coalition led by SMEX says Gulf governments are using cybercrime and security laws to suppress online reporting and sharing of information related to Iranian attacks across the region.
A coalition of rights organisations has accused Gulf governments of tightening control over online information following regional attacks linked to the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The statement says authorities in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia have restricted filming, sharing, and commenting on footage related to Iranian attacks. It describes arrests, prosecutions, account restrictions, and pressure on journalists and media workers.
The groups argue that governments are relying on broad cybercrime, public order, and state security laws to treat civilian documentation as a security threat. In several cases, people were reportedly arrested for circulating videos or posts that authorities labelled as misleading information.
The statement also points to restrictions on journalists and online accounts. It cites cases involving detention, prison sentences, citizenship revocation, and the blocking or geo-restriction of social media accounts.
Social media companies are also addressed in the statement. The groups call on platforms to assess government takedown and restriction requests against international human rights standards before complying.
The signatories include, among others, Access Now, ALQST for Human Rights, ARTICLE 19, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Global Voices, Human Rights Watch, Index on Censorship, PEN America, and SMEX.
