Iranian network reports targeted attacks on two Canadian-based journalists by the regime
In recent weeks, two journalists working for Iran International in Canada have been targeted by regime officials, according to the network. The denunciation of these threats comes as Iran is believed to be targeting individuals, including journalists and Jewish citizens, on Canadian soil.
The targeted journalists' work for Iran International appears to be the reason for the intimidation and potential kidnapping threats. Iran International is a prominent online broadcaster that covers news in Iran and its diaspora, often reporting on anti-government protests, which advocates claim are heavily censored within Iran.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has publicly warned that activities by Iranian operatives or proxies could escalate further during 2025, potentially harming critics in Canada, including journalists. CSIS is actively investigating death threats linked to the Islamic Republic and has confirmed the use of criminal networks to harass and harm dissidents and journalists.
In response, Canadian law enforcement agencies and intelligence services have issued warnings about increasing threats from Iranian intelligence and affiliated groups, guided targeted journalists on security precautions, and collaborated internationally to condemn Iran’s attempts to kill, kidnap, and harass dissidents.
One of the targeted journalists has received messages implying they could be kidnapped and taken outside of Canada, as instructed by Canadian law enforcement officials. Canadian authorities have also advised the journalist to take heightened security measures.
The denunciation was made by Canada and more than a dozen other countries, prompting Iran International's spokesman, Adam Baillie, to file urgent appeals to United Nations experts calling for international action to protect journalists and their families from threats and extrajudicial reprisals carried out by the Iranian government.
The Canadian Press, a news agency, requested comment from Iran's diplomatic mission to the United Nations but has not received a response yet. The denunciation was a public statement made by multiple countries, following Iran International coming forward about two of their journalists being targeted in Canada a week prior.
The intimidation tactics by Iranian authorities have also extended to the relatives of these journalists still in Iran, increasing the pressure and risk to the journalists abroad. This escalation of threats underscores the need for continued vigilance and international cooperation to ensure the safety of journalists and dissidents in Canada and beyond.
- The increasing threats against journalists working for Iran International, as reported by multiple countries, have highlighted the need for continued coverage of war-and-conflicts, politics, and crime-and-justice in Iran, given the potential dangers and censorship.
- News agencies, including the Canadian Press, have taken note of the threats against Iran International's journalists and are pressing for responses from Iranian officials, underscoring the importance of general-news reporting in such situations.
- In light of the intensified threats and potential kidnapping of Iran International's journalists, international cooperation in war-and-conflicts, politics, and crime-and-justice becomes crucial to ensure the safety of journalists and dissidents worldwide.
