Iraqi and U.S. authorities must ensure safe return of our member Shelly Kittleson kidnapped in Baghdad
CFWIJ and Women Press Freedom are gravely concerned about Shelly Kittleson’s safety as her whereabouts remain unknown for more than 24 hours
April 1, 2026
Italian-American journalist and CFWIJ member Shelly Kittleson. — TRT World
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom are gravely concerned about the safety and well-being of our member and an accomplished Italian-American journalist, Shelly Kittleson, who has been kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, reportedly by Kata'ib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shi'ite militia on Tuesday March 31.
The abduction of our colleague is a shocking assault on press freedom and safety of journalists in a region already marred by conflict and militant insurgency, more so owing to the ongoing US-Israel war in Iran. The developments since Shelly’s kidnapping are also immensely worrying and we demand authorities in Iraq to take swift action for her release as soon as possible.
In a CCTV footage we obtained from sources on the ground, before it was made public, Shelly was last seen standing by a car on the streets of the capital city and was aggressively dragged into another vehicle by several men in broad daylight. This targeting of a journalist who was in Iraq to carry out her professional duty is an attack on democratic values. Kidnapping or any other kind of violence targeting journalists is intended to silence their critical voices, intimidate the larger press and media community, and instil a climate of fear.
The most concerning issue for us right now is that no direct communication has been established with the abductors. While we know from sources we have spoken to and Iraqi authorities that Khatb’ Hezbollah is behind this, there is no official statement made by them, and no intermediary confirmation. This is important to take place as it would not only aid the process of a more genuine and thought through negotiation, but also help possibly expedite the negotiation process to get her out. We can use our resources, time and connections better to get Shelly released safely, if connection with abductors is established quickly.
— Kiran Nazish, founding director, CFWIJ and Women Press Freedom.
That the abduction of Shelly, who has been reporting from Iraq for years and is well-versed about the country and broader region, happened in the middle of a busy street during the day in complete public view reflects the alarming levels of impunity with which militants and aggressors threaten and harm journalists. Women journalists remarkably remain vulnerable to dangers in the midst of heightened risks of intimidation and violence.
We call on Iraqi authorities, as well as the U.S authorities, to ensure Shelly’s swift release and safe return, and act against those who abducted her. We also demand that a transparent investigation is conducted into her kidnapping. We want authorities to ensure that everyone involved in the abduction be held responsible and accountable under the law.
Shelly’s safety and well-being, however, should remain the priority to ensure her release. Any failure to act swiftly and responsibly will result in harming our colleague. We also stand in solidarity with Shelly’s family, loved ones, colleagues and all journalists who continue to perform their duties even under immense threats to their safety. These concerning circumstances that our member, Shelly Kittleson, faces reflect the dangers journalists are facing today to tell the story of humanity.
Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ)
Founded 2017, New York, NY — a global network supporting and protecting women and non-binary journalists worldwide.
