British counterterrorism police are investigating the stabbing of a journalist working for a TV channel critical of the Iranian government. The journalist, Pouria Zeraati, was attacked by two men outside his home in London and was stabbed in the leg. Three suspects, including the two attackers and a driver, fled the country within hours of the attack. Despite the unclear motivation for the attack, Zeraati’s occupation, coupled with recent threats to U.K.-based Iranian journalists, has prompted a counterterrorism investigation.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, has confirmed that the suspects traveled to Heathrow Airport and have left the U.K. International partners are now involved in establishing further details. Police have disrupted “a number” of plots to kill or kidnap individuals in the U.K. who are considered enemies of the Iranian government. Officers are collaborating with intelligence agencies to prevent future plots and ensure the safety of targeted organizations and individuals.
Iran International, the television channel where Zeraati is a presenter, has faced threats in the past due to its coverage of Iran. The station temporarily relocated from London to Washington, D.C. last year after what it described as “state-backed threats from Iran.” Operations resumed at a new location in London last September. Mehdi Hosseini Matin, Iran’s charge d’affaires in the U.K., has denied any link to the recent attack on Zeraati.
The attack on Zeraati is part of a pattern of threats and violence against Iranian journalists based in the U.K. Police are investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism, given the journalist’s occupation and the circumstances surrounding the attack. The suspects fleeing the country shortly after the attack adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, as international cooperation is required to track and apprehend them.
The British authorities are taking the threats against U.K.-based Iranian journalists seriously and are working to prevent future attacks and protect individuals and organizations at risk. Counterterrorism measures are being implemented to disrupt potential plots and provide security for those targeted by the Iranian government. The collaboration between law enforcement and intelligence agencies is crucial in addressing the ongoing threat and ensuring the safety of journalists and others facing danger.
In light of the recent attack on Pouria Zeraati and the heightened risks faced by Iran International and other U.K.-based Iranian journalists, the need for enhanced security measures and international cooperation is evident. The investigation into the attack on Zeraati is ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying and apprehending the suspects who fled the country. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by journalists reporting on sensitive and contentious issues, and the importance of safeguarding press freedom in the face of threats and violence.
