Iraq has sentenced a man to 15 years in prison for the kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad earlier this year. Amir Rahim Jabar Lazim was convicted under Iraq’s Anti-terrorism Law in connection with the abduction that occurred on March 31, 2026, in the al-Saadoun area of the capital. Kittleson was released in early April after being held for several days.

Kittleson, who was targeted by armed men affiliated with Iranian-backed militias, publicly expressed gratitude toward the Iraqi judiciary for its handling of the case and to those who contributed to her release. She noted the importance of supporting efforts to build a better future for Iraq.

According to court documents, Lazim has been in detention since April. Eyewitnesses described the incident as involving three individuals who surrounded Kittleson, with one grabbing her from behind. Video evidence shown during the investigation indicated that multiple men were involved in the attack.

The kidnapping has been linked to Kataib Hezbollah, a prominent militia group backed by Iran and part of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). The group is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and has a history of involvement in kidnappings and violent assaults. It is considered among the most powerful militias operating in Iraq, with deep connections to the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Notably, Kataib Hezbollah’s late leader, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, was killed alongside IRGC Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike in January 2020.

This prosecution marks a rare instance of Iraqi authorities taking decisive legal action against members of the Iranian-backed militias. Historically, militia members have often been detained but frequently released without facing substantial charges. The Iraqi government has recently faced increasing pressure to rein in these groups, amid U.S. calls for Baghdad to advance efforts to disarm armed factions.

The militias have been implicated in multiple violent acts, including the 2020 assassination of journalist and security expert Dr. Hisham al-Hashimi, who was killed outside his Baghdad home. Kataib Hezbollah was also linked to the kidnapping of Princeton researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov in March 2023; she was held for several months before her release in September 2025.

While Iraqi authorities have held Lazim accountable in this case, there are no indications that the government will pursue broader legal responsibility against Kataib Hezbollah for the kidnapping or other criminal activities. The ongoing influence of Iran-backed militias remains a significant challenge for Iraq’s internal security and political stability.