Shelly Is Free.
Shelly Kittleson has been released.
On April 7, 2026, Shelly was freed after being held by Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq since March 31, 2026. We are grateful to everyone who supported the campaign for her safe return.
As reported by Al-Monitor, April 7, 2026
Thank you to the press freedom organizations, colleagues, supporters, and advocates around the world who raised their voices and demanded her safe return. Your collective action made a difference.
Campaign Concluded
Thank You to All Supporters
The #FreeShelly campaign has concluded successfully with Shelly's release. The coordinated advocacy efforts by press freedom organizations, journalists, government officials, and supporters worldwide contributed to this outcome.
This site will remain live as a temporary archive of the campaign before being sunsetted.
Campaign Updates
View All →Shelly Kittleson Has Been Released
American journalist Shelly Kittleson was freed on April 7, 2026, after being held by Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq since March 31, 2026. The campaign for her safe return has concluded successfully.
International Press Institute Demands Release of Shelly Kittleson
The International Press Institute (IPI) demands the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted in Baghdad.
CPJ, RSF, Foley Foundation Urge US Government to Designate Kittleson Hostage
CPJ, RSF, and the Foley Foundation urge the US government to designate Shelly Kittleson a hostage and mobilize all resources to secure her safe, swift release.
Iraq Network Gave Kidnapped Journalist to Iran-Backed Militia
Concern is mounting over the safety of US journalist Shelly Kittleson, whose whereabouts remain unknown more than five days after she was abducted from a busy street in Baghdad.
About Shelly
15 Years of Bearing Witness
- —15+ years reporting
- —Contributed to Al-Majalla, Al-Monitor, New Lines Magazine, Middle East Uncovered, Foreign Policy
- —Contributor, Ansa news agency; writer, Il Foglio
- —Languages: Arabic (proficient), Kurdish (basic), Italian, Russian
- —Based: Rome, Italy
- —Accredited press, U.S. passport holder
Shelly Kittleson, 49, is an award-winning American journalist whose reporting from the Middle East has spanned more than 15 years.
Originally from Wisconsin, she left the United States at 19 for Italy, where she still resides in Rome when not on assignment. Her journalism career began in Afghanistan in 2010, and she first arrived in Baghdad in 2012 as a freelancer, covering the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal. She began traveling to Syria to cover the Assad regime's repression in the same year. She quickly established herself as one of the most rigorous and empathetic voices on the ground.
Her work has included landmark investigations into civilian casualties in Mosul, the humanitarian consequences of the Yazidi genocide, and most recently — the struggles of ordinary Iraqis navigating reconstruction in neighborhoods destroyed during the anti-ISIS campaign.
Kittleson has contributed to Al-Majalla, Al-Monitor, New Lines Magazine, and Foreign Policy. In Italy, she contributes to the Ansa news agency and writes for Il Foglio.
She has completed hostile environment training and operates with full press accreditation. She was held captive by Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq from March 31, 2026, and was released on April 7, 2026.
Begins journalism career in Afghanistan
Arrives in Baghdad as freelance correspondent; begins covering post-withdrawal Iraq and the Assad regime's repression in Syria
Embedded reporting during Mosul offensive
Joins Independent World Press as Staff Middle East Correspondent
Abducted in Baghdad's Karrada district on March 31 — released April 7, 2026
Wall of Support
Voices for Shelly
Colleagues, readers, and supporters from around the world spoke out during Shelly's captivity. Their voices helped bring her home.
30+ voices raised
"In a region where the truth is often a casualty, Shelly Kittleson is a rare and vital witness. Having worked with her closely, I know her grit and her deep commitment to the people of Iraq. We aren't just waiting for a journalist to return; we are waiting for a friend."
"When one area after the other started to become more dangerous and therefore received also less coverage, Shelly stood out for still going and shedding light on the places falling dark."
"Kittleson's courageous reporting has covered conflict in the Middle East for more than a decade; she is a legitimate journalist doing the essential work of informing the global public."
"Truth telling is in short supply these days, especially in the fog of war, which makes the targeting of journalists all the more vile."
"Her work turns often complex geopolitical stories into personal ones that remind us all of our shared human experience."
"Shelley's reporting out of Iraq brought me great peace while I had a loved one deployed to Baghdad, especially during the 12 Day War. Helped me feel less nervous and helpless when our operator would go offline."
"I am a former hostage and stand with Shelly and her family during this unbearably difficult time."
"Everyone at RSF stands fully behind Shelly. The US government must bring her home immediately."