Qatari authorities have arrested more than 300 people for sharing images and what the interior ministry described as “misleading information” during recent attacks by Iran, the ministry said on Monday.
The statement explained that the detainees, of “various nationalities,” filmed and circulated video clips and published rumors that could stir public opinion. The arrests were carried out by the Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes under the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
The crackdown comes amid similar actions across the Gulf region. In Bahrain, four people were arrested for filming and broadcasting clips related to Iranian attacks, while in Kuwait, three individuals were detained for mocking the situation on video.
In the United Arab Emirates, residents have received text messages warning of potential legal action for sharing sensitive images or “reposting unreliable information.” The UAE attorney general’s office also cautioned against filming or circulating images documenting damage caused by missiles or shrapnel, according to the Emirates News Agency. Saudi authorities have issued comparable warnings.
Despite these measures, videos and images of missiles, drones, and the aftermath of the attacks continue to circulate widely on social media platforms and in private group chats.
