Former IITV Host Urged To Relocate After Colleague's Stabbing

Sima Sabet, a former television anchor at Iran International, revealed that the Metropolitan Police's Counter-Terrorism Unit has urged her to leave her residence.

This follows a knife attack on Pouria Zeraati, another host at the network, outside his home in Wimbledon, south London.

Zeraati, a prominent journalist, survived the assault and is reportedly in stable condition. However, the incident underscores threats faced by Iran International, known for its independent coverage of Iran. The London-based broadcaster has been a target of Tehran's hostility, and the Friday attack on Zeraati could be a troubling escalation.

Sabet took to social media to express her concerns, revealing previous attempts on her life and her former colleague Fardad Farahzad.

“However, I must emphatically mention that the British government has not taken sufficient, meaningful, decisive, and effective political action against the terrorism of the Iranian government,” she added.

She emphasized the need for a safe environment for journalists and opponents of the Islamic Republic in Britain and other Western countries.

“As a journalist and a British citizen, I cannot hide my criticism and concern over this political and diplomatic negligence. Many of my journalist friends agree with this assessment. London is our home. Britain must be a safe place for journalists across all media, and unsafe for extremists and terrorists receiving orders from Tehran. Our voice will not be silenced by threat and terrorism. Journalism is not a crime; state terrorism is. Stop it.”

As investigations into the attack on Zeraati continue, concerns linger over the broader implications for journalists critical of authoritarian regimes.