Iranian TV journalist Pouria Zeraati was stabbed outside his home in London, leading to a counter-terrorism investigation. Zeraati is in a stable condition following the attack with a knife on Friday. Police and paramedics responded to an address in Wimbledon, south London, where Zeraati, in his 30s, suffered a leg injury. The Met Police indicated that his condition is not life-threatening, and no arrests have been made. Due to Zeraati’s occupation and recent threats towards UK-based Iranian journalists, the investigation is being led by specialized counter-terrorism officers, although the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, emphasized that while the reason for the attack is unknown, the victim’s occupation and concerns about threats towards similar Iranian journalists have necessitated the involvement of counter-terrorism units. Detectives are pursuing various lines of inquiry to identify and apprehend the perpetrator responsible for the attack. Additional police patrols are being conducted in Wimbledon and other locations in London to reassure those affected and the broader Iranian communities in the area. Recent incidents involving threats to and assassination plots against UK-based individuals critical of the Iranian regime have heightened concerns for the safety of journalists like Zeraati.
The incident was condemned as a “cowardly attack” and “deeply shocking” by Michelle Stanistreet, the general secretary of the NUJ. She expressed solidarity with Zeraati, his family, and colleagues while highlighting the fears among journalists that they are not safe at work or at home. Stanistreet called for a stop to the targeting of journalists and urged the international community to hold Iran accountable for its actions. In an earlier statement this month, Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, criticized Iran for the reported conviction of BBC Persian journalists, calling it unacceptable behavior. He expressed concerns about Iran’s threats against journalists providing independent information and emphasized the need to address such acts of intimidation.
Zeraati’s attack is part of a concerning trend targeting journalists, particularly those critical of the Iranian regime. The incident has raised fears within the Iranian journalist community in the UK, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures and protection for journalists. The ongoing investigation will assess all possible motives behind the attack and work towards apprehending the perpetrators to ensure justice for Zeraati and prevent similar incidents in the future. The NUJ and other organizations continue to advocate for the safety and protection of journalists, highlighting the importance of press freedom and the severe consequences of harassment and threats against media professionals.
The attack on Zeraati highlights the risks faced by journalists reporting on sensitive issues and holding power to account. It underscores the importance of safeguarding press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists worldwide. The international community’s response to such incidents will be crucial in deterring further attacks on journalists and upholding democratic values. As investigations progress and perpetrators are brought to justice, the case of Pouria Zeraati will serve as a reminder of the ongoing threats to press freedom and the critical role of journalists in upholding transparency and accountability in society.
