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March 07, 2025 – Iran –
Two Iranian journalists were violently attacked in separate stabbing incidents that highlight the increasing dangers faced by media professionals both inside Iran and abroad.
On March 7, 2025, Meysam Rashidi, a journalist based in Ardabil, northwestern Iran, was viciously stabbed by members of the Ardabil Municipality Cultural Organization. Rashidi had recently posted a critical video exposing mismanagement of the local football team, including irregular training schedules and conflicts of interest involving municipal staff. After receiving threatening calls and being forced to delete the video, Rashidi was ambushed by individuals in two vehicles, including security officers armed with knives. The attack happened as he was returning home for iftar, and both Rashidi and his mother, who witnessed the assault and fainted at the scene, were hospitalized. This attack underscores the risks Iranian journalists face when reporting on local corruption and governance issues.
Separately, in London on March 29, 2024, Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati, a presenter for Iran International, was stabbed outside his home in Wimbledon. Known for his critical stance against the Iranian regime, Zeraati’s attack is widely believed to be a state-sponsored attempt to silence dissent. Following the assault, suspects fled the UK, and Zeraati later posted a defiant photo from his hospital bed, signaling his determination to continue his work despite the threats. UK authorities have investigated the incident amid concerns about foreign interference and targeted violence against journalists in exile.
Together, these incidents highlight the persistent threats against Iranian journalists worldwide, particularly those who expose government wrongdoing or challenge official narratives. The assaults have drawn widespread condemnation from press freedom organizations and human rights groups, calling for urgent protective measures and accountability for perpetrators.
The targeting of journalists like Rashidi and Zeraati reflects a broader pattern of intimidation aimed at silencing independent voices. Their attacks serve as stark reminders of the dangerous environment for reporters covering sensitive issues and the urgent need for international solidarity and protection for journalists at risk.
Reference –
https://www.newarab.com/news/suspects-stabbed-iranian-journalist-left-uk
