Pouria Zeraati, an Iranian journalist with Iran International, is in stable condition after being stabbed outside his London home, an attack that has led to a counterterrorism investigation amidst heightened threats against Iranian journalists in the UK.
Pouria Zeraati, an Iranian journalist working for Iran International, was stabbed outside his London home, prompting a counterterrorism investigation due to the nature of the attack and recent threats targeting UK-based Iranian journalists. The incident occurred in south London, and Zeraati is currently in stable condition, recovering in the hospital. Despite the severity of the attack, the motives behind it remain unclear. However, the context involves heightened threats to Iran International by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), leading specialist counterterrorism officers to take charge of the investigation.
Iran International has been facing intensified threats over the past 18 months, particularly from the IRGC, which has previously attempted to disrupt the broadcaster’s operations and has been involved in aggressive actions against journalists and their families. These actions have led to sanctions imposed by the Foreign Office against members of the IRGC. The attack on Zeraati marks the first physical assault of its kind on a journalist from the broadcaster in the UK, spotlighting the risks journalists face while covering sensitive political issues. The Metropolitan Police are investigating the attack and have called for any witnesses to come forward. The incident underscores the ongoing concerns for the safety and security of journalists reporting on Iran, amidst escalating tensions and threats from Iranian authorities.
