Despite being brutally attacked just a week prior, Pouria Zeraati, a dedicated Iranian journalist, has shown immense courage by returning to his work at Iran International. The 36-year-old presenter was stabbed in the leg by three unknown assailants outside his home in London. However, he refused to let this horrifying experience deter him from continuing to do what he loves.
In a video teasing his comeback on Iran International, Zeraati humorously referred to his time in the hospital as a “slight delay”. His resilience and determination were evident as he dismissed the attack as a mere “warning shot”. Despite the traumatic nature of the incident, he boldly declared, “Whatever the motive was, the show must go on.”
Recalling the harrowing moments of the attack, Zeraati revealed that he was approached by a man pretending to ask for money before being held down and stabbed. The sheer terror of not knowing where the knife would strike and fearing for his life is something he will never forget. The journalist expressed his genuine fear, admitting, “My heart is he’s going to kill me,” as the attackers fled after stabbing him.
Despite the severity of the attack, the Iranian charge d’affaires in the UK has denied any involvement or link to the knife attack. This assertion raises questions about the motives behind the assault and the potential threats faced by journalists working in a politically charged environment.
Iran International has faced numerous challenges, with the station being guarded by armed police due to escalating threats. The broadcaster temporarily relocated to Washington after receiving state-backed threats from Iran but resumed operations in London last September. The resilience of Zeraati and his colleagues in the face of such adversity is truly commendable.
Pouria Zeraati’s quick return to television following a traumatic stabbing incident highlights his unwavering dedication to journalism and his refusal to be silenced by acts of violence. His bravery serves as an inspiration to journalists around the world who face similar threats in pursuit of the truth. It is imperative that individuals and governments alike take a stand against such heinous attacks on freedom of speech and the press.
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