Qatari authorities have arrested 313 individuals for allegedly sharing footage of attacks and spreading what officials described as misleading information and rumours during recent days of regional hostilities involving Iran.
In a statement released on Monday, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior said the arrests were carried out by the Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes under the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
According to the ministry, those detained—who are of various nationalities—were accused of filming and circulating video clips as well as publishing information considered capable of misleading the public and inciting unnecessary public anxiety.
“They filmed and circulated video clips and published misleading information and rumours that could stir public opinion,” the ministry stated.
The arrests come amid heightened security measures across the Gulf region following a wave of attacks attributed to Iran, which has reportedly targeted airports, military bases, energy facilities, and residential areas with drones and missile strikes.
Qatar’s move reflects a broader regional crackdown on the spread of unverified information and sensitive security footage.
In Bahrain, authorities announced on Friday the arrest of four individuals accused of filming and broadcasting videos showing the aftermath of Iranian attacks while also spreading what officials described as false information.
Similarly, Kuwait confirmed on Saturday that three people had been arrested after sharing a video in which they allegedly mocked the security situation in the country.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have also issued warnings to residents through text messages, cautioning them against sharing sensitive images or reposting unverified information online.
The UAE Attorney General’s Office warned that filming, publishing, or circulating images of incident locations or damage caused by falling missiles or debris could attract legal consequences, according to the Emirates News Agency.
Saudi Arabia has issued comparable advisories, urging the public to refrain from sharing footage related to security incidents.
Despite these warnings, images and videos showing missile launches, drone activity, and the aftermath of attacks continue to circulate widely on social media platforms and private messaging groups across the region.
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