Counter-terrorism police look into attack on journalist Pouria Zeraati, as concerns grow over his safety amid ongoing threats to dissident voices.

Counter-terrorism police are investigating the stabbing of Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati outside his home in Wimbledon, London, on Friday afternoon. The attack occurred at 2.49pm, with the victim, a man in his 30s, suffering an injury to his leg. Paramedics and police rushed to the scene, and Zeraati is now in stable condition, with the injuries not believed to be life-threatening. No arrests have been made in connection to the incident.

Zeraati, a reporter for the Iran International news channel, was targeted just outside his residence. The news channel posted an update on social media, confirming the attack and stating that the journalist had sustained injuries but was recovering. Iran International also referenced an earlier threat against the network’s staff, alluding to the Iranian regime’s alleged 2022 plot to kill two of its anchors.

Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, said that the investigation would be led by the Counter Terrorism Command, given Zeraati’s affiliation with Iran International and previous threats against the network’s employees. Although the motive remains unclear at this stage, Murphy emphasized the ongoing efforts to identify the attacker and make an arrest.

“This incident may raise concerns, especially among other journalists and those within the Iranian community. As a precaution, additional patrols will be conducted in Wimbledon and other key areas of London,” Murphy added, urging witnesses to come forward with any information.

Michelle Stanistreet, General Secretary of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), expressed shock at the “cowardly attack,” sending well wishes to Zeraati and his family. She highlighted the fears the attack might raise for other journalists working for Iranian outlets like Iran International and BBC Persian, who have faced increasing harassment.

Stanistreet also pointed out the wider context of the growing intimidation of journalists in exile, particularly in light of the Iranian regime’s previous assassination attempts against journalists working for international media.

The attack on Zeraati follows a series of escalated tensions, with UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron recently condemning Iran’s treatment of BBC Persian staff, calling the regime’s actions “unacceptable.”

Last-minute withdrawal from the Good Friday procession raises further questions over the Pope’s health as he continues to battle with physical limitations.

Pope Francis, 87, has pulled out of a planned appearance at the Good Friday procession in Rome’s Colosseum, citing health concerns. The Vatican revealed the Pope’s decision at the last minute, stating that the pontiff chose to step down from participating in the event to preserve his well-being. Despite this, Pope Francis is still expected to attend the Easter Vigil service on Saturday evening and will deliver the Easter Mass and the “Urbi et Orbi” message and blessing on Sunday.

This unexpected withdrawal has sparked renewed worries regarding the Pope’s health, as he has been struggling with mobility issues. Due to ongoing knee problems, the Pope relies on a cane or wheelchair to move around, and he has also been suffering from recurrent bouts of bronchitis and influenza in recent months.

The Vatican shared the news of his absence from the “Via Crucis” (Way of the Cross) procession just as it was about to commence, stating that Pope Francis would follow the event remotely from his residence in the Vatican. His cancellation comes after he had shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, with more public appearances following a period of difficulties, including a hospital stay for bronchitis last year.

On Thursday, the Pope participated in the traditional foot-washing ceremony at a women’s prison in Rome, a ritual that commemorates Jesus’ act of humility towards his apostles. Earlier on Friday, he was present at the Passion of the Lord service in St Peter’s Basilica, where he joined cardinals and bishops for the Latin chants recounting the events of Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion, and burial.

In past years, Pope Francis would have begun the service by prostrating himself on the floor of the basilica, but his frailty no longer allows him to do so. Instead, he arrived in a wheelchair and prayed silently in front of the main altar, marking a poignant moment of reflection on his declining health.