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Elizabeth Tsurkov

All articles tagged with #elizabeth tsurkov

middle-east4 months ago

Elizabeth Tsurkov Freed After Two Years in Captivity

Kata'ib Hezbollah held Russian-Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov captive for over 900 days, but she was released following pressure from the US and Iraqi governments, with reports suggesting her captivity was becoming a liability for the group. Her release involved complex arrangements and was achieved without a formal deal, with Tsurkov returning in poor health.

international-affairs2 years ago

Kidnapped Israeli Student Elizabeth Tsurkov Resurfaces in Iraqi TV Appearance

Elizabeth Tsurkov, a kidnapped Israeli-Russian researcher and Princeton University student, has appeared in a new propaganda video appealing to the families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The video, broadcast by an Iraqi television station, is the first proof of life of Tsurkov since her abduction in March. While the authenticity of the video has not been verified, it is seen as a positive development and an opportunity to start a dialogue for her release. Tsurkov was coerced into giving a false confession in the video, claiming to have worked for the Mossad and CIA, which her friends and colleagues vehemently denied.

international-affairs2 years ago

"Kidnapped Israeli-Russian Academic Elizabeth Tsurkov Resurfaces in New Video"

Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton student who was kidnapped in Iraq eight months ago, has appeared in a video claiming to be a spy working to organize protests and incite clashes. The video, which cannot be independently verified, shows Tsurkov allegedly confessing to being a Mossad and CIA agent. She is believed to be held by the Shiite group Kataeb Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia classified as a terrorist group by the United States. Tsurkov's family and the US State Department have been contacted for comment.

international-affairs2 years ago

Israeli-Russian Academic Allegedly Kidnapped in Iraq: Disturbing Video Emerges

A video purportedly showing Israeli-Russian academic Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was kidnapped in Iraq in March, has been shared by an Iraqi TV channel and social media close to Iraqi militia groups. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, but if confirmed, it would be the first images of Tsurkov since her kidnapping over seven months ago. Tsurkov is seen in the video speaking in Hebrew and referencing the Israel-Gaza war. The Israeli government has previously stated that Tsurkov is being held by Iran-backed Iraqi Shiite militia Kataeb Hezbollah, and Iraq is responsible for her safety.

international-affairs2 years ago

Investigation Launched into Kidnapping of Missing Israeli Researcher in Iraq

Friends and colleagues of Elizabeth Tsurkov, a dual Russian-Israeli citizen who was kidnapped by an Iran-backed militia in Iraq, are condemning the spread of false allegations online, including claims that she is a spy. Tsurkov, a Princeton doctoral student, went missing in March while conducting research for her dissertation. Friends and supporters have defended her, highlighting her criticism of Israeli policies and her support for Palestinian rights. Tsurkov's loved ones have emphasized that she understood the risks involved in her work and that the decision to keep her disappearance private was a personal choice. An investigation into her kidnapping has been opened by the Iraqi government.

international-affairs2 years ago

Investigation Launched into Abduction of Missing Israeli Researcher in Iraq

Friends and colleagues of Elizabeth Tsurkov, a dual Russian-Israeli citizen who was abducted by an Iran-backed militia in Iraq, are condemning the spread of dangerous lies about her online. Tsurkov, a Princeton doctoral student, went missing in March and was later confirmed to have been abducted by Kataib Hezbollah. Critics on social media have accused her of being an Israeli spy, pointing to tweets from over a decade ago and her past conscription in the Israeli military's intelligence unit. Friends and supporters have defended Tsurkov, highlighting her activism in support of Palestinian rights and her criticism of Israeli government policies. They warn that the false narrative could jeopardize her safety and survival. An investigation into Tsurkov's kidnapping has been opened by the Iraqi government.

international-affairs2 years ago

Kidnapped Israeli-Russian Academic Sparks Iraqi Government Investigation

Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton University student and Israeli-Russian dual citizen, who disappeared during a research trip to Baghdad in March, is believed to be held hostage by the Iran-backed militia group Kataib Hezbollah. The Israeli government has confirmed her captivity and called on Iraq to ensure her safety. Efforts are underway to secure her release and reunite her with her family.