Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the reprehensible acts of violence, intimidation, and restrictions imposed on journalists during the recent local elections

Location: London, United Kingdom

Date: March 29, 2024

Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Sima Sabet, a former BBC and Iran International journalist, who the Metropolitan Police instructed to leave her residence following the stabbing of her colleague, an Iranian TV presenter in Wimbledon. We have worryingly been documenting continuous grave threats to Sabet’s life due to her reporting on the Iranian regime, including a foiled assassination scheme in 2022 orchestrated by Iranian operatives. We, therefore, express grave concern for Sabet's safety and implore the Counter-Terrorism Police to intensify efforts to safeguard her well-being and bring the perpetrators of these appalling acts to justice. The United Kingdom must be a sanctuary for journalists, not a battleground where they are targeted by regimes that seek to silence dissent.

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“I am currently relocating to a different location as a precautionary measure in response to security threats,” British-Iranian reporter Sima Sabet tells Women Press Freedom. The Metropolitan Police identified Sabet as a target by Iran's Revolutionary Guards and instructed the reporter to steer clear of her residence following journalist Pouria Zeraati's non-fatal stabbing outside his Wimbledon home on Friday.

As Zeraati's potential discharge from the hospital looms and the Metropolitan Police's investigation progresses without any arrests made yet, speculations have surfaced that he may have been targeted for conducting an interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On April 2, police reported that the individuals accused of stabbing Zeraati left the country following the incident.

While Iran has denied any involvement in the incident in West London, Sabet indicates that she was advised to evacuate her home until further notice due to concerns that she might also be at risk of being targeted.

She criticized the British government for its perceived negligence and reluctance to confront the "terrorism" perpetrated by Iran's government.

Women Press Freedom has recorded previous instances where the Revolutionary Guards made unsuccessful attempts to assassinate her and her former colleague Fardad Farahzad last year, with the plot being foiled.

Sabet emphasized the gravity of the recent attack, describing it as a significant warning and a profoundly concerning act for journalists and adversaries of the Islamic Republic in the UK and other Western nations.

Expressing appreciation for the ongoing communication with the Counter-Terrorism Police, she highlighted the perceived lack of substantial political action by the British government against Iran's terrorism.

Sabet concluded with a resolute statement: "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 threats and terrorism. Journalism is not a crime; state terrorism is. Stop it.”

Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Sima Sabet. We vehemently condemn the increasing threats and harassment she has faced over the past year. We express grave concern for Sabet's safety and urge the Counter-Terrorism Police to enhance measures to protect her and ensure accountability for those responsible for these heinous acts. Journalists must have the freedom to report without fear of intimidation, harassment, or physical violence, allowing them to uphold accountability within society. The Iranian regime must immediately cease its tactics of intimidation against those who dare stand up against human rights violations within the country.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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