Pouria Zeraati, a journalist for Iran International, was stabbed outside his home in Wimbledon, highlighting the dangers faced by reporters critical of the Iranian regime. Under police protection, he stresses the need for safety amid ongoing threats to UK-based Iranian journalists.
Pouria Zeraati, a presenter for Iran International, was recently discharged from a hospital in London following a stabbing incident outside his home in Wimbledon, south London. The 36-year-old journalist expressed his gratitude for the support received during his recovery and confirmed that he and his wife are now in a safe location, under the protection of the Metropolitan Police. The attack on Mr. Zeraati marks the first physical assault on personnel from Iran International, a London-based channel that has reported facing threats for the past 18 months. Despite denials from the Iranian regime of any involvement, there are claims suggesting that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) targeted the journalist and his relatives.
Specialist counter-terrorism officers are leading the inquiry into the stabbing, attributed to Mr. Zeraati’s profession and the preceding threats directed at UK-based Iranian journalists. This event underscores the risks for those critical of the Iranian regime, highlighting the ongoing challenges for reporters covering Iran.
Iran International resumed operations in London after previously moving its broadcast studios to Washington DC due to increased threats from Iran. This incident reflects the precarious situation for journalists reporting on Iranian affairs amidst tensions between the Iranian regime and its critics.
In a related development, former BBC journalist Sima Sabet disclosed that, following Mr. Zeraati’s attack, she was advised by the Metropolitan Police to vacate her home. Ms. Sabet criticized the British government’s response to the threats from the Iranian government and underlined the necessity for the UK to ensure safety for journalists while addressing extremism. To date, no arrests have been linked to Mr. Zeraati’s stabbing. There is speculation that the attack might be connected to an interview Mr. Zeraati conducted with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ms. Sabet emphasized the importance of safeguarding journalists and taking a firm stance against state terrorism to protect freedom of speech.
