Counter-terror probe after Iranian journalist stabbed outside his London home with attacker ‘on the loose’ | EBQ4174 | 2024-04-03 06:08:01
Counter-terror probe after Iranian journalist stabbed outside his London home with attacker 'on the loose' | EBQ4174 | 2024-04-03 06:08:01
Pouria Zeraati is in a secure condition after being knifed on Friday, Iran Worldwid
AN IRANIAN TV journalist has been stabbed outdoors his house in London, sparking an investigation led by counter-terrorism police.
Pouria Zeraati is in a secure condition after being knifed on Friday, Iran Worldwide stated.
Police and paramedics have been referred to as to an handle in Wimbledon, south London, at 2.49pm after a man in his 30s suffered an damage to his leg, the Metropolitan Police stated.
His situation just isn't believed to be life-threatening and no arrests have but been made, the drive added.
Cops stated the motivation for the attack was not yet clear, however his occupation coupled with current threats in the direction of UK-based Iranian journalists meant the probe was being led by specialist counter-terrorism officers.
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, stated: "While we're preserving an open mind, given the occupation of the sufferer and our publicised considerations concerning the menace to staff of that organisation, the investigation is being led by the Counter Terrorism Command.
"I need to stress that, at this early stage of our investigation, we have no idea the rationale why this victim was attacked and there might be quite a few explanations for this.
"While we proceed to assess the circumstances of this incident, detectives are following a lot of strains of inquiry and our precedence right now is to attempt to determine whoever was behind this assault and to arrest them.
"I recognize the wider concern this incident might trigger – notably amongst others in comparable strains of labor, and those from Iranian communities.
"We proceed to work intently with the victim's organisation and as a precaution we'll have further patrols within the Wimbledon space as well as different sites around London to offer reassurance over the coming days to these affected and anxious.
"Lastly, I might urge anyone in the Wimbledon area who might have seen anything or anyone appearing suspiciously at this time to get in touch with us."
Since 2022, a variety of plots to both kidnap or kill British or UK-based individuals perceived as enemies of the Iranian regime have been disrupted by police, it is understood.
Anyone with info ought to contact police by calling 0800 789 321.
Iran International English posted on X, previously Twitter, saying: "Iran International's journalist @pouriazeraati has been attacked with a knife outdoors his house in London.
"He has sustained injuries however is in a secure condition. The matter is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police.
"The attack comes after the Iranian regime's 2022 plot to kill two @IranIntl television anchors @Sima_Sabet and @FardadFarahzad."
Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ common secretary, referred to as the incident a "cowardly attack" and "deeply surprising".
She stated: "Our ideas are with him, his household and all of his colleagues at Iran International. We hope he makes a swift recovery.
"It is too early to know whether or not this violent assault is related to the escalating intimidation and harassment by Iran, including the plot to assassinate journalists Fardad Farahzad and Sima Sabet in 2022.
"Nevertheless, this brutal stabbing will inevitably increase fears amongst the various journalists targeted at Iran International and the BBC Persian Service that they don't seem to be protected at house or going about their work."
Ms Stanistreet added: "The NUJ sends its collective greatest wishes to Pouria and hopes he has a swift and full recovery.
"We'll proceed to liaise with the Metropolitan Police and the National Committee for the Security of Journalists, as part of our wider work to stamp out the harassment and concentrating on of journalists."
Earlier this month, Overseas Secretary Lord Cameron condemned Iran's reported conviction of BBC Persian journalists, calling it "unacceptable".
He stated: "Paperwork revealed online recommend that 10 BBC Persian employees have been tried and convicted in Iran in absentia of propaganda towards the Islamic Republic.
"I feel that is utterly unacceptable behaviour. We do increase these issues with our Iranian counterparts.
"And in addition, once I last met the Iranian overseas minister, I raised the case of the fact that Iran was paying thugs to attempt to murder Iranian journalists providing free and unbiased info for Iran TV in Britain.
"On both counts, for my part, they're guilty."
Ms Stanistreet added: "The systematic concentrating on of journalists, simply for doing their jobs, has to cease. The worldwide group needs to up the strain on Iran and the UN needs to hold Iran accountable for its actions."
More >> https://ift.tt/p4BlKGv Source: MAG NEWS
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