Fact Check: Romanian diplomat threatened by two men during early morning walk.

Fact Check: "Romanian diplomat threatened by two men during early morning walk."

What We Know

On May 26, 2023, a Romanian diplomat was assaulted during an official visit to Vladivostok, Russia. According to reports from AP News and Der Spiegel, the diplomat, who has not been publicly named, was attacked after leaving her hotel for an early morning walk. Two men reportedly exited a vehicle, threatened her, and then physically assaulted her. The assailants are believed to have connections to Russian security authorities, as suggested by EU diplomatic sources. Following the incident, the European Union summoned Russia's envoy in Brussels for clarification regarding the attack, emphasizing the need for the safety of its diplomats (AP News, Der Spiegel).

Analysis

The incident has been corroborated by multiple reliable sources, including major news outlets like AP News and The Moscow Times. Both outlets reported similar details regarding the attack, including the timing, location, and nature of the assault. The consistency across these reports lends credibility to the claim that a Romanian diplomat was indeed threatened and assaulted during her early morning walk.

The sources also highlight the response from EU officials, including a statement from Anitta Hipper, the EU security spokeswoman, who condemned the violence against diplomats and underscored the importance of their safety (AP News, Der Spiegel). The involvement of EU officials and the summoning of the Russian envoy indicate that this incident is taken seriously at a diplomatic level.

However, it is important to note that while the reports suggest the attackers may have links to Russian security services, this remains speculative as the identities of the assailants have not been confirmed. The lack of immediate action from Russian law enforcement to investigate the attack further complicates the narrative and raises questions about accountability (The Moscow Times).

Conclusion

The claim that a Romanian diplomat was threatened by two men during an early morning walk in Vladivostok is True. The incident has been reported by multiple credible sources, and the details are consistent across these reports. The diplomatic response from the EU further supports the seriousness of the incident, highlighting the need for protection and safety for diplomats abroad.

Fact Check: Romanian diplomat threatened by two men during early morning walk.