What's happened
Elizabeth Tsurkov and Rom Braslavski, both held captive by Iran-backed groups, describe severe torture, sexual violence, and psychological torment during over two years of captivity. Their stories highlight ongoing human rights violations amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Iraq. The stories are current as of November 11, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
The detailed testimonies of Tsurkov and Braslavski expose the brutal treatment of hostages by Iran-backed militias and Hamas. Tsurkov's account reveals systematic torture, sexual violence, and psychological abuse, illustrating the severe human rights violations in Iraq. Braslavski's story underscores the physical and mental toll of captivity, including torture and attempts at humiliation, with a notable resistance to pressure to convert. These stories serve as stark reminders of the ongoing use of hostage-taking as a weapon in regional conflicts. The timing of their disclosures, amid Iraqi elections and ongoing Israeli-Hamas tensions, suggests strategic efforts to influence international perception and policy. Their accounts will likely fuel calls for accountability and increased protections for captives in conflict zones.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel, The Independent, NY Post, and The New York Times all provide detailed, corroborating accounts of the captivity experiences of Tsurkov and Braslavski. The Times of Israel emphasizes the torture and psychological torment, while The Independent highlights the duration and brutality of captivity. The NY Post focuses on Braslavski's sexual violence and humiliation, comparing it to Nazi-era atrocities, and The New York Times offers a comprehensive overview of Tsurkov's captivity, including her strategic deception and resilience. The contrasting tones—ranging from detailed personal trauma to broader regional implications—underscore the severity and complexity of these human rights violations.
How we got here
Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped in March 2023 while researching in Iraq, held by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia. Rom Braslavski was abducted during Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023, held in Gaza by Islamic Jihad. Both were released in late 2025 after prolonged captivity and suffering.
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