I don’t think media coverage is a very reliable gauge of truth in a society where the media is controlled by oligarchs. On top of everything that that’s been going on, a journalist just got fired for calling Elon Musk a Nazi.

It’s also pretty common for marginalized people to relate their problems secondhand because victims don’t always want the public eye on them. Yes, victims should go to the authorities, but it’s often easier said than done even when the authorities aren’t well-known for dismissing victims and/or furthering their abuse.

e: To clarify, I don’t think it’s true that what the official said is policy; I think that person is probably lying. What I mean is that the incident itself is very plausible, and I have a policy of believing victims if there isn’t a good reason not to, especially where it may protect others.