Counter-terror probe after Iranian journalist stabbed outside his London home with attacker 'on the loose' | UTJ5JA9 | 2024-04-02 06:08:01
Pouria Zeraati is in a secure situation after being knifed on Friday, Iran Inte
AN IRANIAN TV journalist has been stabbed outdoors his residence in London, sparking an investigation led by counter-terrorism police.
Pouria Zeraati is in a secure situation after being knifed on Friday, Iran International stated.
Police and paramedics have been referred to as to an tackle in Wimbledon, south London, at 2.49pm after a person in his 30s suffered an damage to his leg, the Metropolitan Police stated.
His condition shouldn't be believed to be life-threatening and no arrests have but been made, the pressure added.
Cops stated the motivation for the assault 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: "Whereas we are protecting an open mind, given the occupation of the victim 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 sufferer was attacked and there might be numerous explanations for this.
"While we proceed to evaluate the circumstances of this incident, detectives are following quite a few strains of inquiry and our priority presently is to attempt to determine whoever was behind this attack and to arrest them.
"I respect the wider concern this incident might cause – notably amongst others in comparable strains of work, and those from Iranian communities.
"We continue to work intently with the victim's organisation and as a precaution we'll have further patrols in the Wimbledon space in addition to different sites around London to offer reassurance over the approaching days to these affected and anxious.
"Finally, I might urge anyone within the Wimbledon space who might have seen something or anyone appearing suspiciously at present to get in contact with us."
Since 2022, quite a few plots to both kidnap or kill British or UK-based people perceived as enemies of the Iranian regime have been disrupted by police, it is understood.
Anybody with info ought to contact police by calling 0800 789 321.
Iran Worldwide English posted on X, previously Twitter, saying: "Iran Worldwide's journalist @pouriazeraati has been attacked with a knife outdoors his home in London.
"He has sustained accidents however is in a secure situation. 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 thoughts are with him, his household and all of his colleagues at Iran Worldwide. We hope he makes a swift restoration.
"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 residence 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 restoration.
"We'll proceed to liaise with the Metropolitan Police and the Nationwide 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: "Documents 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 offering free and unbiased info for Iran TV in Britain.
"On each counts, for my part, they're responsible."
Ms Stanistreet added: "The systematic concentrating on of journalists, merely for doing their jobs, has to stop. The worldwide group must up the strain on Iran and the UN needs to carry Iran accountable for its actions."
More >> https://ift.tt/J2eQKiO Source: MAG NEWS
