Iranian journalist in stable condition after ‘cowardly’ stabbing attack
An investigation led by counter-terrorism police has been launched after an Iranian journalist was stabbed outside his Wimbledon home on Friday.
Pouria Zeraati, a presenter for Iran International, is now in a stable condition and has been discharged from hospital, the Persian-language news channel said.
Police and paramedics were called at around 2.50pm to an address in Wimbledon after a man in his 30s suffered an injury to his leg, the Met said.
No arrests have been made.
In a statement the Met said the motivation for the attack was not yet clear, but Mr Zeraati’s role at Iran International, coupled with recent threats towards 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, said: “I can confirm that I am confident these suspects do not present a risk to communities of London or the UK.
“I appreciate the concern this incident has caused, for local people as well as for those in similar lines of work and from Iranian communities. We are working closely with the victim’s organisation and additional patrols are continuing in the Wimbledon area and at other locations in London.
Set up in 2017, Iran International broadcasts from London but is aimed primarily at Iranian viewers. Topics covered by the channel in the past include human rights violations in Iran.
In February last year, the channel temporarily relocated its operations to Washington DC because of threats to its journalists, and returned to London in September.
The National Union of Journalists’ (NUJ) general secretary, Michelle Stanistreet, said: “This cowardly attack on Pouria is deeply shocking, and our thoughts are with him, his family and all of his colleagues at Iran International. We hope he makes a swift recovery.
“We will continue to liaise with the Metropolitan Police and the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists, as part of our wider work to stamp out the harassment and targeting of journalists.”
A spokesman for the Met said: “Anyone with information about this incident who has yet to speak with officers is asked to call police on 0800 789 321.”
Pictured top: Pouria Zeraati in hospital after the attack (Picture: Iran International)
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