Iraq sentences kidnapper of US journalist Shelly Kittleson to 15 years: What to know
The first sentencing in relation to Shelly Kittleson’s abduction comes as Iraq moves to rein in Iran-backed militias.
An Iraqi man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in connection with the April kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, local media and Kittleson herself reported on Monday, marking the first legal action of its kind in relation to the case.
What happened: Amir Rahim Jabar Lazim, was sentenced by the central criminal court under Iraq’s 2005 anti-terrorism in relation to the reporter's kidnapping in Baghdad. Lazim provided and drove the vehicle used in the crime, the Emirati news outlet The National reported.
Kittleson may also be able to claim compensation based on Lazim's conviction in civil court, the Supreme Judicial Council said in a notice she posted.
Iraq's Central Criminal Court has sentenced Amir Rahim Jabar Lazim to 15 years in prison under the Anti-Terrorism Law after convicting him of being one of several armed men who took me hostage in Baghdad on March 31.
— Shelly Kittleson (@shellykittleson) August 31, 2026
I am grateful to the Iraqi judiciary for its attention to my… pic.twitter.com/Hw0SWF5Nfb
The local news outlet Shafaq reported that Lazim had been sentenced to 15 years in relation to the kidnapping, citing a judicial source, and the Supreme Judicial Council statement was widely circulated in Iraqi media. The council has not officially commented on the news and the Iraqi Embassy in Washington did not immediately offer any comment to Al-Monitor.
