RSF - Reporters sans frontières

04/03/2026 | News release | Archived content

RSF, CPJ, Foley Foundation urge Secretary Rubio to secure Shelly Kittleson’s release

Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and the Foley Foundation wrote jointly to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to secure the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, abducted while working in Baghdad, Iraq on March 31, 2026. She is reportedly being held by Iran-backed militants. The three organizations also asked for the United States to officially designate Kittleson as a hostage.

A contributor to several international media outlets specializing in the region, Shelly Kittlesonregularly works in Iraq, and other countries in the region. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has demanded her immediate and unconditional release.

Iraq is ranked 155th out of 180 countries and territories in the 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index.

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155/ 180
Score : 30.69
Published on03.04.2026
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