Eleven Nepalis have been arrested so far in various West Asian countries on charges of spreading rumors through social media. Among those detained, three are in the United Arab Emirates, four in Saudi Arabia, three in Qatar, and one in Oman. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they were arrested for sharing misleading photos and videos related to the Iran–Israel–America conflict.
These countries have indicated that they will take strict legal action against individuals caught spreading false messages on social media, including arrest and deportation. At a press conference on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri stated, “They have been arrested based on the publication of misleading photos and videos on social media.”
During the ongoing conflict among Iran, Israel, and the United States, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on Gulf countries. The Nepalis were arrested for photographing these missiles and drones used in attacks and then sharing the footage on social media, thereby spreading false rumors. Spokesperson Kshetri added, “Nepali embassies and missions in the respective countries are taking necessary measures regarding those arrested.” He further noted, “Investigations are ongoing to determine the charges against them and the respective penalties.”
