BAGHDAD—An Iraqi criminal court sentenced Amir Rahim Jabar
Lazim to 15 years in prison for his role in the kidnapping of US journalist
Shelly Kittleson, which occurred on March 31 in Baghdad.
The sentence was handed down by the Central Criminal Court
of Iraq, which specializes in terrorism-related cases. Lazim was found guilty
under the Iraqi Anti-Terrorism Law of 2005 for his involvement in the
kidnapping.
According to local media reports, the defendant allegedly
provided and drove one of the vehicles used during the operation in which
Kittleson was abducted.
The journalist, who has extensive experience covering
conflicts and political events in Iraq, Syria, and other Middle Eastern
countries, was held captive for approximately a week.
She was released on April 7 after the armed group Kataib
Hezbollah announced its intention to free her. Kataib Hezbollah, an
Iranian-backed Shiite armed group, was implicated in the kidnapping by U.S. and
Iraqi authorities. Following her release, Kittleson left Iraq.
The journalist publicly thanked the Iraqi justice system and
those who helped secure her safe release. The court ruling could also allow her
to seek compensation through a civil suit.