Press freedom groups urge US government to designate Shelly Kittleson hostage

CPJ urges Iraqi authorities to take all necessary measures to secure the release of Kittleson, who was abducted in the capital Baghdad on Tuesday.

Photo Credit (Photo and screenshot: AP; red indicator: CPJ)

Press freedom is your freedom.

The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide. We defend the right of journalists to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal.

CPJ’s researchers document attacks on journalists and media workers throughout the year, providing a rigorous and trusted source of information on the state of press freedom worldwide. Explore our data.

What we do

Advocacy

CPJ denounces press freedom violations and engages with governments, multilateral institutions and other coalitions to defend journalists under attack.

Awareness

CPJ’s researchers rigorously document attacks on the press, helping journalists enduring those attacks to remain in the public eye.

Slemani News Network camera operator Sivar Baban struggles to breathe after being teargassed during a Kurdistan teachers’ protest on February 9.

Assistance

CPJ supports journalists through timely safety information and emergency assistance, covering an array of physical, digital, and legal issues.

U.S.-based journalists urgently need resources to continue their critical reporting.

Need emergency assistance or safety advice?