This morning Aaron Bastani was attacked by a man near to his office at Novara Media. Aaron took to social media to reveal the nature of the incident:
‘I can’t quite believe what happened a few hours ago, but on my way to the train station, to head into the Novara media office, a man I’ve never seen before screamed my name while passing by and assaulted me. I was punched multiple times.
Fortunately I was able to pacify him, with subsequent assistance from a passer-by, until the police arrived. This is someone who knew my name. Fortunately there were multiple independent witnesses, and the man is now being questioned by police.
This was a completely unprovoked attack, near my home, in broad daylight. My suspicion is this was a politically motivated physical attack on a journalist.
The background to this is that I’ve been targeted by the far right before. It is a very real risk I live with.
Finally, my thanks to the police officers who arrived promptly, and behaved with the upmost professionalism and courtesy.’
Below are just some of the many supportive tweets Aaron has received:
Shocking and disgusting. Sending my solidarity and support to you Aaron.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) July 25, 2023
That’s terrifying! Hope you’re okay, Aaron. Sending lots of love and solidarity!
— Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) July 25, 2023
This is terrible Aaron. Very shocking. Look after yourself.
— Peter Oborne (@OborneTweets) July 25, 2023
WTAF this is insane – I hope you're ok (I'm sure all those gym sessions helped a bit!) Sending lots of love and solidarity x
— Grace Blakeley (@graceblakeley) July 25, 2023
We must never forget that we live in a society where right wing propagandists are influencing widespread violence towards others across the UK and the world.
They are the ones who should fall silent not those challenging inequality, oppression and corruption.
Jason Cridland
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