Counter-terrorism investigators in the UK are actively probing the stabbing of a journalist associated with a Persian language media outlet in London. The incident took place on Friday in Wimbledon, southwest London, and has raised concerns that the journalist was deliberately singled out due to their profession.
The victim, Pouria Zeraati, a prominent British-based Iranian journalist, is known for hosting a show on Iran International, a Persian language television news network that openly criticizes Iran’s government.
Pouria Zeraati, who is in his 30s, suffered a leg injury during the assault. Fortunately, he is now in stable condition, and his injuries are not considered life-threatening.
A presenter for a London-based Iranian TV news channel has been repeatedly stabbed outside his home in the city's south, his channel has said.https://t.co/IO6rnF8m8G
— BBC London (@BBCLondonNews) March 29, 2024
The General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet, of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), decried the assault as an act of cowardice. She stood in unwavering unity with Zeraati, his family, and fellow colleagues. This occurrence comes in the wake of Britain’s imposition of sanctions in January against Iranian officials, specifically targeting members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Unit 840, due to their complicity in issuing threats against journalists within the United Kingdom.
Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, emphasized that although the motive behind the attack remains uncertain, two critical factors are under scrutiny: the victim’s occupation and the history of threats against Iran International employees.
British authorities have raised concerns about Iran’s escalating reliance on criminal proxies to carry out attacks beyond its borders. These proxies have been directly implicated in threats to harm or abduct dissidents and political opponents associated with the Iranian state apparatus over the past two years.
The recent stabbing incident has heightened safety concerns among journalists working at Iran International and the BBC Persian Service. These concerns are particularly significant in light of the reported assassination plot against journalists Fardad Farahzad and Sima Sabet in 2022.
The Metropolitan Police has been diligently investigating threats originating from Iran, specifically targeting UK-based journalists working for Persian-language media outlets. These threats have included plots to abduct or harm individuals perceived as adversaries by the Iranian regime.
Amidst rising tensions and targeted aggression from Iran, the UK government implemented stricter sanctions last year. These measures were in response to alleged human rights abuses and hostile acts by Iran against its opponents residing on British soil.
The recent attack on Zeraati serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing dangers that journalists and dissidents face in the UK, particularly from foreign state entities.
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