Princeton Scholar Elizabeth Tsurkov Freed from Captivity in Iraq After Two-Year Ordeal

Breaking News: Academic’s Release Confirmed

Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was kidnapped in Baghdad in 2023 by the Shiite militia Kataib Hezbollah, has been released and is now at the American Embassy in Iraq, as announced by US President Donald Trump.

Background of the Kidnapping

Tsurkov, 38, was a doctoral student at Princeton University when she was kidnapped in Baghdad on March 26, 2023, during a research visit. As a doctoral student at Princeton University, she was also a nonresident fellow at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, an American foreign policy think tank. Her work involved volunteering with various human rights organizations in the Middle East, advocating for Palestinians, refugees, migrants, torture survivors, and various minorities.

Captivity and Negotiations

Throughout her captivity, officials from several countries confirmed she was being held by Kataib Hezbollah. The only direct proof of life came through a video broadcast in November 2023 on an Iraqi television station. Iraqi media reported that significant efforts were made to free her, with discussions of a potential exchange involving an Iranian and six others held in Iraq over “attacks on American interests”.

Family’s Response

The family expressed overwhelming joy at her release, with her sister Emma stating, “My entire family is incredibly happy. We cannot wait to see Elizabeth and give her all the love we have been waiting to share for 903 days.” She specifically thanked Adam Boehler, the U.S. special presidential envoy for hostage affairs.

International Implications

Multiple groups of U.S. lawmakers had advocated for Tsurkov’s release. The situation was particularly complex as Kataib Hezbollah, the group responsible for her kidnapping, holds an official role in the Iraqi government. The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about international hostage situations, with Mr Trump recently issuing an executive order granting the State Department more powers to punish countries that wrongfully detain American citizens. According to the Foley Foundation, at least 54 Americans were held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas in 17 countries last year.