The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for the immediate and safe release of freelance Wisconsin journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was reportedly kidnapped by a militia group in Iraq.
CAIR expressed deep concern for her safety and urged all parties involved to ensure her prompt release and humane treatment.
In a statement, Washington, D.C., based CAIR said:
“We strongly condemn the kidnapping of journalist Shelly Kittleson and call for her immediate and unconditional release. Journalists play a vital role in documenting events and informing the global public, often at great personal risk. Targeting members of the media is a violation of fundamental human rights and undermines transparency and accountability. We urge those responsible to immediately release Ms. Kittleson without harm.”
CAIR has previously called for the release of journalists kidnapped by Israel, or detained in other nations, including the United States.
In 2009, CAIR staff spoke directly to the Iranian President urging him to release journalist Roxana Saberi.
And in 2006, CAIR staff went to Baghdad to appeal for the release of a kidnapped American journalist Jill Carroll.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com