Abducted Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov freed in Iraq
Abducted Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov freed in Iraq
A Princeton student “tortured for many months” by Iraqi militia is now in the US embassy, President Trump says.
Read the full article on BBC World
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's central claim about Elizabeth Tsurkov's release is contradicted by available sources, which indicate she was still held as of early 2025. The article also presents information with a pro-Trump slant, highlighting his claim without independent verification. This suggests a significant factual error and moderate bias.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Elizabeth Tsurkov freed in Iraq and in the US embassy.
- Verification Source #1: As of March 2025, Iraq claimed to be searching for her.
- Verification Source #2: As of January 2025, she was still held by an Iraqi militia.
- Verification Source #3: She was kidnapped by a suspected Iraqi militia.
- Verification Source #4: She was kidnapped in March 2023 and is being held by Kata'ib Hezbollah.
- Verification Source #5: She was kidnapped in Baghdad earlier in 2023.
- Assessment: Contradicted. All sources indicate she was kidnapped and held, with no mention of her release as of early 2025.
- Claim: President Trump says she was 'tortured for many months'.
- Verification Source #1: No mention of torture.
- Verification Source #2: No mention of torture.
- Verification Source #3: No mention of torture.
- Verification Source #4: No mention of torture.
- Verification Source #5: No mention of torture.
- Assessment: Unverified. None of the provided sources mention torture.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 1: 'After 2 years, Iraq claims to be searching for kidnapped researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov...'
- Source 2: 'Kidnapped Israeli Russian researcher alive; Baghdad working on release...'