Qatari authorities have announced the arrest of more than 300 people accused of disseminating images and information deemed misleading during the Iranian attacks on the country. According to the Interior Ministry, 313 individuals of various nationalities were detained for filming and sharing videos and "rumors" on social media.
The arrests were carried out by the Economic and Cyber Crimes Unit. Authorities accuse those arrested of publishing content likely to cause panic or disseminating information deemed inaccurate about the missile and drone strikes.
Similar measures in several Gulf countries
Qatar is not the only state in the region to strengthen its control over information. In Kuwait, three individuals were also arrested after the publication of a video mocking the security situation.
In the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, authorities have also warned the public against sharing images related to the strikes or the damage caused by the projectiles. Despite these warnings, videos showing missiles, drones, and the aftermath of the attacks continue to circulate on social media throughout the region.
