DOHA (MNN); Authorities in Qatar have arrested more than 300 individuals for allegedly sharing images and spreading what officials called “misleading information” during the recent wave of Iranian attacks, the Interior Ministry announced on Monday.
According to the ministry, those detained were accused of filming and distributing video clips and posting rumours or inaccurate information on social media that could potentially provoke public concern and influence public opinion during the tense security situation.
The ministry stated that the suspects belonged to “various nationalities” and were taken into custody by the Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes, which operates under the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Officials said the individuals were involved in circulating content that authorities believe could undermine public stability at a time when Iran has been launching daily drone and missile strikes targeting airports, military bases, energy installations and even residential areas across parts of the Gulf region.
The arrests in Qatar are part of broader measures being taken by Gulf countries to control the flow of sensitive information during the ongoing regional conflict.
In Bahrain, authorities last week arrested four people accused of filming and broadcasting video clips showing the impact of Iranian attacks while also spreading what officials described as false news. The country’s Interior Ministry said such actions could create unnecessary panic among residents.
Similarly, Kuwait announced on Saturday that three people had been arrested after a video circulated online showing them mocking the situation in the country amid the regional tensions.
Authorities across the Gulf have intensified warnings to residents about sharing sensitive content related to security incidents. In the United Arab Emirates, residents recently received text messages cautioning them that legal action could be taken against those who share sensitive images or repost unverified information on social media.
The UAE Attorney General’s Office also issued a warning against filming or publishing images and videos showing incident locations or damage caused by falling missiles, projectiles or debris. The statement, carried by the Emirates News Agency, stressed that spreading such material could violate national security regulations.
Saudi Arabia has also issued similar warnings, urging the public to refrain from sharing unverified information or sensitive footage that could compromise security or create confusion.
Despite these restrictions and warnings from authorities, images and videos showing missiles, drones and the aftermath of attacks continue to circulate widely on social media platforms and private messaging groups across the region.
Officials in several Gulf states have reiterated that individuals who spread rumours, false information or unauthorized footage during the current conflict could face strict legal consequences.
