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.