Iranian Diplomat Embroiled in Shocking Assault on News Channel Journalist in New York
An alleged assault on a journalist in New York City by an Iranian official from President Ebrahim Raisi's camp has been reported, raising concerns about press freedom and safety
A journalist in New York City was allegedly attacked on Wednesday evening by an official associated with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's entourage, as claimed by a news channel. Iran International correspondent, Kian Amani, was filming outside the Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza Hotel and reporting on the departure of Raisi's group when the incident occurred. This statement was released by Iran International news channel on Thursday.
Iran International alleged that journalists from their network who were covering Ebrahim Raisi's stay in New York were attacked, harassed, and insulted by the President's entourage. A video, recorded by Amani and shared by the channel, captures the Iranian official walking near the media barrier, while Amani can be heard off-camera saying, "he's coming."
As the official approaches Amani, he questions him in Farsi, inquiring, "Why are you recording this [video]?"
Amani's response can be heard as he states in Farsi, "Please refrain from touching me," and in English, "I am a journalist," while the official persistently demands proof of his credentials in Farsi.
The official engages in a scuffle with Amani, while a second angle captures the official attempting to grab the phone as a woman and two men step in to intervene. The woman firmly states, "Do not touch him," while the two men, reportedly security guards according to Iran International, swiftly push the official away from Amani and back behind the barrier.
CNN has contacted the Iranian Foreign Ministry for a comment, but a response is still pending.
On Wednesday afternoon, Abram Paley, the deputy special envoy for Iran at the State Department, expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, stating, "This behavior is unacceptable," in a statement posted on X, previously recognized as Twitter.
Paley stated that the apparent harassment and intimidation of multiple journalists in the United States is strongly condemned. Iran International, a news channel broadcasting from Washington, D.C., has emerged as a preferred news source for Persian speakers seeking information on anti-government demonstrations in Iran.
It has been at the forefront of reporting on the demonstrations, delivering breaking news, and capturing exclusive footage from the actual scenes. With 1.6 million followers on its Farsi account and nearly 160,000 followers on its English account, Iran International has garnered significant support.
Established in 2017, Iran International has faced scrutiny from the Iranian government, possibly due to its coverage of anti-government protests within Iran.
