Elizabeth Tsurkov, a 38-year-old Israeli-Russian researcher and Princeton doctoral student, survived 2½ years of captivity in Iraq under an Iranian-backed militia. She endured severe torture, including “hanging” and the “scorpion” method, before her release in September, and is now recuperating in Israel.

Kidnapping and Brutal Torture

Tsurkov, fluent in Arabic and a scholar of Middle Eastern politics, was kidnapped in March 2023 while conducting research in Baghdad. Blindfolded, sexually assaulted, and beaten, she was taken to a facility on the outskirts of the city, where she endured both Ta’aliq—being hoisted with hands cuffed above the head—and Akrab, a more painful variant with hands cuffed behind the back.

A month into captivity, her captors discovered Hebrew messages on her phone and began accusing her of spying, demanding a $600 million ransom, according to Israeli officials. Tsurkov described electroshock, sexual abuse, whipping, and threats with firearms stamped as Iraqi government property. She made false confessions under duress to appease her captors while protecting local acquaintances.

Solitary Confinement and Partial Relief

After 4½ months, Tsurkov was moved to what she believes was a Kataib Hezbollah base near the Iran border. There, her conditions improved slightly: she was provided sufficient food, water, and even a television, though she remained in solitary confinement.

Her hopes for release diminished following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, when she became one of over 250 hostages of concern. The ordeal left her with likely permanent nerve damage, requiring ongoing medical care and physical therapy.

Militia Influence and U.S. Pressure

Tsurkov’s captors were part of Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia officially linked to Iraq’s armed forces but operating independently. The U.S. has designated Kataib Hezbollah a terrorist organization since 2009. Tsurkov emphasized that Iraqi militias focus largely on oppressing local populations, rather than external targets.

Her release involved sustained U.S. intervention, including efforts by former Trump administration hostage envoy Adam Boehler, and leverage by Israeli officials. Iraqi-American businessman Mark Savaya reportedly warned Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani that the U.S. might strike Kataib Hezbollah if she was not freed. Her handover to Iraqi authorities occurred about a week later, and she was reunited with her family at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad before returning to Israel.

Family History of Imprisonment

Tsurkov comes from a family with a history of political incarceration. Her parents were imprisoned in Russia for opposing the communist government, and her grandfather was jailed under Stalin. She was born in Russia and moved to Israel at age four.

Her family and Israeli officials campaigned tirelessly for her release, leveraging diplomatic channels and U.S. political influence. The Russian Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Recovery and Future Plans

Now recovering in Israel, Tsurkov focuses on physical rehabilitation and adjusting to life after captivity. She plans to resume her doctorate at Princeton and hopes to continue research, especially fieldwork highlighting marginalized groups.

Despite enduring torture, sexual assault, and solitary confinement, she emphasizes her gratitude for survival. “It often feels like a nightmare that I woke up from,” she said. “It feels so surreal to have undergone, and overcome, such brutality.”

Tsurkov’s experience sheds light on the dangers faced by researchers in conflict zones and the operations of Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. She hopes her story increases global awareness while acknowledging the risks for Iraqis who cannot safely speak out.

Source: AP News – After brutal torture and 2.5 years of captivity, Israeli-Russian researcher is grateful to survive

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LAS VEGAS — What began as a typical afternoon at a popular gym on the west side of Las Vegas quickly turned into a scene of terror and tragedy Friday, as a gunman opened fire inside the Las Vegas Athletic Club (LVAC), killing one person and injuring three others before being shot and killed by police outside the facility.

The incident unfolded shortly before 4 p.m. at the busy fitness center located near Rainbow Boulevard and Alta Drive. According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Undersheriff Andrew Walsh, officers responded to reports of a shooting and arrived to find chaos unfolding inside the gym.

Gunfire Erupts Inside the Gym

Witnesses described a scene of panic as shots rang out near the workout equipment area. One man was fatally shot inside the building, Walsh confirmed, while gym-goers scrambled to escape or take cover.

Claudio Vigani, who was working out at the time, told KLAS-TV he heard the commotion and people yelling for others to run. “They said ‘Get out, get out, get out,’” Vigani recalled. “Then I saw the dead guy next to the machine.”

Walsh said officers encountered the armed suspect exiting the building. The man was shot by police after reportedly failing to comply with commands and posing an immediate threat. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The identity of the suspect has not been publicly released as of Saturday morning.

Multiple Victims Rushed to Hospitals

Three other individuals were injured during the shooting. All were transported to nearby hospitals, and one remains in critical condition. Police did not specify whether all the injuries were caused by gunfire or if some occurred during the rush to evacuate the building.

Emergency responders worked swiftly to secure the area, treat the wounded, and evacuate the gym. Authorities have since confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Close Call for Some Gym Members

As more details emerge, accounts from near-miss survivors have underscored just how close this could have been to an even greater tragedy.

Gary Steward and a companion were just moments away from entering the gym when the shooting began. By chance, they stopped at a nearby nutrition store on the way in. That brief delay may have saved their lives.

“If we hadn’t stopped there, we would have walked in through the front desk, where the shooter came in,” Steward told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. As they approached the entrance, they saw shattered glass and fled back to the parking lot.

“It’s just a weird feeling right now,” he said. “It’s strange. Who shoots up a gym?”

Motive Remains Unclear

As investigators continue combing through evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage, the motive behind the attack remains unknown.

Undersheriff Walsh noted that there’s no indication yet whether the shooting was targeted or random. Authorities are also working to determine if the suspect had any connection to the gym, its staff, or its members.

Community Shaken by Sudden Violence

The Las Vegas Athletic Club is a popular fitness chain with multiple locations throughout the city. For many local residents, it’s a daily stop — a place to improve health and unwind. The news of a deadly shooting at such a familiar location has deeply unsettled the community.

Social media was quickly flooded with posts from concerned residents and gym members checking on loved ones or sharing their shock. As of Friday evening, calls to the gym and its corporate office went unanswered.

A Broader Conversation on Public Safety

This incident adds to a growing list of public shootings in places once considered safe — schools, malls, churches, and now fitness centers. As Las Vegas police continue their investigation, the shooting will likely reignite conversations about security in public spaces and mental health resources.

For now, the focus remains on the victims and their families. Local officials have not yet released the identities of those killed or injured, pending notification of next of kin.

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department urges anyone with information or footage related to the incident to come forward as detectives continue working to piece together the events leading up to Friday’s shooting.

Source: AP News – 2 dead and at least 3 injured in Las Vegas gym shooting, police say

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Warning: Sensitive Content

In November 2020, Caroline Darian’s life was changed forever. At 20:25 on a Monday evening, she received a call from her mother, Gisèle Pelicot, that would shatter her world. Gisèle revealed that she had just discovered that her husband, Dominique Pelicot, had been drugging her for over a decade, allowing numerous men to rape her.

Caroline, now 43, vividly remembers the moment: “At that moment, I lost what was a normal life. I shouted, I cried, I even insulted him. It was like an earthquake. A tsunami.”

Dominique Pelicot, a retired grandfather, was sentenced to 20 years in prison following a groundbreaking three-and-a-half-month trial in December. His actions — drugging his wife and orchestrating sexual assaults — not only brought attention to issues of rape and gender violence but also highlighted the lesser-known crime of chemical submission (drug-facilitated sexual assault).

A Horrific Discovery and a Family Torn Apart

Dominique Pelicot’s arrest came after he was caught upskirting in a supermarket. A deeper investigation into his life revealed a horrifying collection of evidence on his devices. Police uncovered thousands of photos and videos showing his wife, Gisèle, unconscious, being raped by strangers — a series of crimes that went on for years.

Caroline and her brothers, Florian and David, rushed to their parents’ home in southern France to support their mother. But soon after, Caroline herself was called in by police, and the revelation became even more personal.

The officers showed Caroline two disturbing photos from her father’s laptop. The images depicted an unconscious woman in her underwear. At first, Caroline didn’t recognize the woman as herself. “I had difficulties recognizing myself,” she says. But when a police officer pointed out a brown mark on her cheek, the truth became undeniable. “I looked at those photos differently then… I was laying on my left side like my mother, in all her pictures.”

Confronting the Reality of Abuse

Caroline is now convinced that her father also abused her — something he has always denied, though he has offered conflicting explanations for the photos. “I know he drugged me, probably for sexual abuse. But I don’t have any evidence,” she admits. This is the painful reality for many victims: “They are not believed because there’s no evidence. They’re not listened to, not supported,” Caroline says.

After her father’s crimes came to light, Caroline wrote a book, I’ll Never Call Him Dad Again, which explores her family’s trauma and dives deeper into the issue of chemical submission. “The drugs typically come from the family’s medicine cabinet—painkillers, sedatives. The danger comes from inside,” she explains.

The Struggle to Move Forward

As Caroline grapples with the painful truth about her father, she faces the emotional burden of being both the daughter of the perpetrator and a victim herself. “It’s a terrible burden,” she reflects. She finds it increasingly difficult to look back on her childhood with Dominique, the man she once called her father.

“When I look back, I don’t really remember the father I thought he was. I look straight to the criminal, the sexual criminal he is,” Caroline says. She emphasizes that she is not the same person as her father: “I am totally different from Dominique.”

Though some have labeled her father a “monster,” Caroline is certain of one thing: “He knew perfectly well what he did, and he’s not sick. He is a dangerous man. There is no way he can get out. No way.”

Dominique Pelicot, now 72, will not be eligible for parole for several years, meaning he may never see his family again.

Rising from the Ashes

Despite the unimaginable trauma, Caroline and her family are finding ways to heal. Her mother, Gisèle, though exhausted from the trial, is recovering and “doing well.” Caroline’s focus now is on raising awareness about chemical submission and educating children about sexual abuse.

She draws strength from her supportive family — her husband, her brothers, and her 10-year-old son, whom she describes as her “lovely son.” Caroline’s commitment to fighting for victims of abuse and speaking out about the dangers of chemical submission has become her life’s mission.

“The events that were unleashed on that November day made me who I am today,” she says. Now, with a heart full of determination, Caroline is ready to look forward, continuing her fight to raise awareness and prevent others from experiencing the horrors she and her mother endured.

A Life Reclaimed, A Future Redefined

In the face of overwhelming trauma, Caroline Darian’s resolve remains unshaken. Through the pain, she has found a purpose — to help invisible victims of abuse, fight for justice, and create a safer world for future generations.

Source

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In November 2011, Gisèle Pelicot began to notice something strange. Despite working hard during the week, she found herself increasingly fatigued, often drifting into deep sleep without warning. It was puzzling; weekends were her time to recharge, but she couldn’t seem to stay awake.

At the time, Gisèle, 58, was content with her life. She had been married to Dominique, her husband of 38 years, and they were planning for a peaceful retirement in the village of Mazan, located in southern France’s Provence region. Their children, Caroline, David, and Florian, were grown, and Gisèle looked forward to long walks with their dog, Lancôme, and quiet days with Dominique. She reflected fondly on their relationship, recalling how they’d supported each other through tough times, including financial struggles and past infidelities. By all appearances, they had weathered their storms together.

But things were not as they seemed.

What Gisèle couldn’t have known was that in his late 50s, as Dominique neared retirement, he had been secretly leading a disturbing double life. He had become deeply involved in online chatrooms where explicit and illegal content was shared. He was exploring darker impulses, and his obsession with this new world would soon lead to an unimaginable betrayal.

The start of his downward spiral can be traced to a man claiming to be a nurse who sent Dominique photos of his wife, drugged with sleeping pills. He shared instructions on how to replicate the drugging process, leading Dominique to experiment on his wife. Over time, he perfected the method, using prescribed tranquilisers to render Gisèle unconscious. Once in this state, Dominique would film her in compromising situations that she would never have agreed to while awake. What began as a shocking act of betrayal evolved into a decade-long cycle of abuse.

As Dominique continued his horrifying actions, Gisèle’s health rapidly deteriorated. She lost weight, experienced frequent blackouts, and was plagued by anxiety, convinced that something was terribly wrong. Her family noticed the changes, but Dominique always had an explanation for her odd behavior. He told them Gisèle was simply tired from her active life.

Though Gisèle occasionally suspected something was amiss – like noticing unusual stains on her clothes or the strange color of a drink – she brushed off her concerns, trusting her husband and attributing her symptoms to stress. When she underwent tests for various health conditions, nothing explained her increasingly debilitating fatigue.

It wasn’t until 2020, when Dominique was arrested for a separate incident in a supermarket, that the full extent of his crimes came to light. When police confiscated his devices, they discovered over 20,000 videos and photos of Gisèle, as well as evidence of her abuse by more than 70 men. Some of the men had been recruited by Dominique through online forums, where he encouraged them to participate in his sickening acts.

The horror escalated when Gisèle learned the truth. On November 2, 2020, after a police visit, Gisèle was shown a photo of one of the assaults. It was in that moment she realized the unimaginable: her husband, the man she had trusted and loved for decades, had been drugging and abusing her for years. Devastated, Gisèle’s world collapsed. She immediately informed her children, and they rushed to Mazan to confront the truth.

The family quickly took action, clearing out the house and severing all ties with Dominique. Gisèle, heartbroken and in shock, began the painful process of reclaiming her life. The divorce was finalized shortly before the trial, and Gisèle chose to return to her maiden name. She had previously kept her married name for her grandchildren’s sake, but now, she wanted to redefine herself and distance her legacy from the man who had betrayed her.

Throughout the trial, Gisèle’s courage became a symbol of resilience. She made the brave decision to waive her anonymity and publicly share her story, hoping to raise awareness about chemical submission and prevent other women from suffering the same fate. By allowing the disturbing videos to be shown in court, Gisèle’s legal team helped refute Dominique’s defense that the abuse was accidental.

As Gisèle faced her abuser in court, her strength and resolve were evident. “I want any woman who wakes up one morning with no memories of the night before to remember what I said,” she declared. “I was sacrificed on the altar of vice, and we need to talk about it.”

Gisèle’s story sent shockwaves through the courtroom, with many remarking on her extraordinary resilience. “She turned what could have destroyed her into strength,” one expert observed. Gisèle herself acknowledged that she is still healing, but her determination to fight for justice has transformed her pain into a powerful message.

Today, Gisèle lives in a new village far from Mazan, where she is focusing on her recovery. She no longer takes medication, instead relying on long walks and therapy. Though she is still haunted by the trauma, she is rebuilding her life on her own terms, away from the man who once held her captive in their shared home.

Her family, too, has found strength in the face of this unimaginable betrayal. Her son-in-law, Pierre, summed it up best when he said, “You cannot imagine the unimaginable.”

Source

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In an exclusive interview, Dave Coulier, best known as Joey from Full House, shared that he’s been diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects white blood cells. Coulier, 65, learned of the diagnosis in October after an upper respiratory infection caused significant swelling in his lymph nodes.

The journey began with a swollen lymph node that grew to the size of a golf ball. Following advice from his doctor, Coulier underwent PET and CT scans and a biopsy. Within days, he received life-changing news: “I went from having a head cold to being told I have cancer. It was overwhelming, like a fast roller coaster ride,” Coulier recalled.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to the Mayo Clinic, causes abnormal growth of white blood cells, forming tumors throughout the body. Coulier’s specific type, B cell lymphoma, is rare and can affect the skin. With the diagnosis, Coulier and his wife Melissa, supported by friends in the medical field, immediately planned his treatment.

Positive Prognosis and Treatment Journey A hopeful moment came early when a bone marrow test returned negative, giving Coulier a 90% chance of cure. He started chemotherapy just two weeks after his diagnosis and shaved his head as a “preemptive strike.” Coulier opened up about his experience on his podcast Full House Rewind, saying, “I’m meeting this head-on and want to inspire others by sharing my journey.”

Determined to maintain a positive outlook for his family, including his wife Melissa and his son Luc, who is expecting his first child, Coulier draws strength from memories of family members who also battled cancer. “My mother, sister, and niece all faced cancer. I thought if I could be just a fraction as strong as they were, I’d be fine,” he reflected.

Support from Family and Humor to Stay Strong Coulier’s older sister Karen, also fighting cancer, has been a source of strength and humor throughout his journey. He shared light-hearted moments that have helped keep his spirits up, joking, “I’ve gone from a Virgo to a Cancer in weeks,” and referencing his love of hockey: “When they said I have NHL, I thought, ‘Finally made it to the NHL!’”

This blend of humor and resilience has helped Coulier stay calm. “When I first got the news, I was stunned, but an inner calm set in, perhaps inspired by the women in my family. They were magnificent in their battles, and they instilled that calm and strength in me,” he explained. “It’s been an incredible life with incredible people around me, and I’m at peace.”

Taking it Day by Day and Looking to the Future With one of six chemo treatments already completed, Coulier is navigating the ups and downs, from nausea and dizziness to days of renewed energy thanks to steroids. Recently, he took to the ice with friends in Detroit, a moment that reminded him of the joy in life. He’s also looking forward to becoming a grandpa, sharing, “I’ve got to teach him how to play hockey. There’s so much to look forward to.”

Coulier hopes his story will encourage others to prioritize their health. “Take care of yourself. Talk to your doctors, get screenings. It can make a huge difference in your life,” he advised.

Source

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