In one message, an Iranian-British journalist working for the BBC says she was told: “On Westminster Bridge is a very deep river. It doesn’t matter that you don’t live in Iran – we can also do whatever we want in London.”
In October 2022, the Iranian foreign affairs ministry named BBC Persian in a list of organisations and people sanctioned for “deliberate actions in support of terrorism, incitement of violence, and human rights abuses”.
The scale of intimidation faced by BBC staff in London has given an insight into how the Iranian regime’s use of violence and blackmail extends to the UK.
BBC is not having a lot of fun now. I appreciate they want to stay neutral and objective while both sides see this as an offense and spit toxicity at them. I hope the BBC can prevail in this and stay safe.
It doesn’t matter that you don’t live in Iran – we can also do whatever we want in London
I mean, sure. Iran can probably assassinate BBC staff in London. One can do a lot with first-mover advantage. Russia could probably have Biden killed if it wanted to, personal security or no.
It’s just that what’s going to happen afterwards to the assassinating country makes the action not likely worthwhile. Like, if you have surprise available to you, is what you want to expend it on really assassinating BBC staff?
Also, what do you gain by assassinating a BBC journalist?
They’ll be replaced and at the very least the PR fallout will be negative.
Threatening BBC in London seems like a really stupid idea. They will just call MI5 and the Metropolitan police. I would think British government takes dim view on a foreign government trying to pressure BBC in London.
P.S. You see that is the British government’s job, stay out of their turf. :)
