Qatar authorities have arrested more than 300 people for sharing images and what officials described as “misleading information” during recent attacks by Iran, according to the country’s interior ministry.
The arrests come amid heightened tensions across the Gulf as Iran has targeted airports, military bases, energy facilities and residential areas with drones and missile strikes.
In a statement, the Ministry of Interior of Qatar said those detained had filmed and circulated video clips and published rumours that could influence public opinion. The statement said the suspects were arrested for “filming and circulated video clips and published misleading information and rumours that could stir public opinion.”
Authorities said the 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 measures have also been reported elsewhere in the Gulf region.
In Bahrain, authorities said four people were arrested for “filming and broadcasting clips about the effects of Iranian attacks and spreading false news.” Meanwhile in Kuwait, officials confirmed the arrest of three individuals after a video circulated showing them mocking the security situation in the country.
Residents in the United Arab Emirates have also received text messages warning that sharing sensitive images or reposting unverified information about attacks could lead to legal consequences. The UAE Attorney General’s Office warned citizens and residents against filming or sharing footage of attack sites or damage caused by falling missiles or debris, according to the Emirates News Agency.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia have issued similar warnings. Despite these restrictions, images and videos showing missiles, drones and the impact of the ongoing conflict continue to circulate widely on social media and messaging platforms.