Iraq denies FM spoke to media about abducted Israeli researcher

Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied claims that Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein made statements to a journalist regarding the fate of Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian academic abducted in Baghdad in 2023. 

The ministry insists Hussein’s remarks were misrepresented and maintains that he did not engage with any media during a recent CNN-organised panel discussion.

Tsurkov, a doctoral researcher at Princeton University, was reportedly kidnapped in March 2023 by Kataeb Hezbollah, a pro-Iran militia in Iraq, although the group has denied responsibility. The case has drawn intense international scrutiny, with Iraqi authorities accused of insufficient action to secure her release.

In a statement on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry clarified that Hussein had responded to questions from an audience member after the panel discussion. 

During this exchange, the ministry clarified that Hussein said that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani was “making great efforts” to secure Tsurkov’s release and confirmed that she was still alive. However, the ministry stressed that the individual posing the questions — an audience member — had not identified himself as a journalist.

“Accordingly, the ministry affirms that the circulated report claiming the minister made a statement to News 1 is entirely baseless,” the ministry said in the statement.

Despite this denial, Barak Ravid, Global Affairs Correspondent for Axios, claimed on X that Hussein had privately confirmed Tsurkov’s status and the Iraqi government’s ongoing efforts to ensure her freedom. 

Tsurkov’s abduction has become a significant diplomatic flashpoint, particularly during Prime Minister al-Sudani’s visit to Washington in April 2024. 

At one event, Emma Tsurkov, Elizabeth’s sister, publicly confronted al-Sudani, accusing him of “enabling terrorists” and failing to act despite being in office for over a year. “You have the power to help, yet you’ve done nothing,” she said, alleging that individuals linked to the Iraqi government were involved in her sister’s abduction.

Al-Sudani pledged to hold those responsible accountable. During his 2024 visit to Washington and in an interview with CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour, al-Sudani reaffirmed his government’s commitment to uncovering the truth and securing Tsurkov’s release. 

Iraqi authorities have stated that an investigation into her kidnapping was launched in July 2023, but they have provided few updates or tangible progress.

The controversy surrounding Tsurkov’s case deepened in November 2023, when Al Rabiaa TV, an Iraqi channel aligned with pro-Iran militias, broadcast a video of Tsurkov in captivity. 

In the video, she “confessed” in Hebrew to working for Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, and the CIA. She alleged that her mission was to create divisions among Iraq’s Shia factions and that she had travelled to Syria in 2022 to strengthen ties between Israel and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The video also included criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Tsurkov describing his actions in Gaza as a “folly” targeting civilians. She urged the families of Israeli captives held by Hamas to protest against Netanyahu and end the siege on Gaza. The broadcast, lasting nearly four minutes, marked the first proof of life since her abduction.

Iraqi commentators and analysts have widely dismissed the video as propaganda, suggesting that Tsurkov was coerced into making the statements under duress. The footage has done little to quell international pressure on Baghdad, with critics questioning the government’s ability—or willingness—to confront militia influence and resolve the crisis.

Speculation about the motives behind Tsurkov’s kidnapping persists. A source who spoke to The New Arab on condition of anonymity in 2023 suggested that her abduction was intended to pressure Israel into negotiating a prisoner exchange involving Iranian operatives held by Israel. This theory has not been officially confirmed, and Kataeb Hezbollah has continued to deny involvement.

As international attention on Tsurkov’s plight grows, the Iraqi government remains under intense scrutiny. Critics argue that the lack of transparency and progress signals either a failure of political will or the significant challenges posed by militia influence within Iraq. Meanwhile, Tsurkov’s family continues to call for urgent action, warning that her safety hangs in the balance as efforts to secure her freedom stall.