Press freedom group ‘gravely concerned ’ by kidnapping of US journalist in Iraq

International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) said the organisation is “deeply alarmed” by the kidnapping of American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad.

"Kittleson is a journalist whose reporting contributes to press freedom in the MENA region and beyond. She must be located, released, and returned to safety immediately," the group said 

"Her courageous reportage has covered conflict zones across the Middle East; she is a legitimate journalist simply doing her job to bring truth to the global public."

The IWMF is gravely concerned by the abduction of American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson in Iraq. Kittleson is a journalist whose reporting contributes to press freedom in the MENA region and beyond. She must be located, released, and returned to safety immediately. pic.twitter.com/x0WfQSNrZK

— International Women's Media Foundation (@IWMF) March 31, 2026