THE founder of a left-wing news site has said he was the victim of what he feared to be a “politically motivated physical attack on a journalist”.
Aaron Bastani, the co-founder of Novara Media, said on Twitter on Tuesday that he had been punched multiple times as he made his way into work.
He said he had “never seen” the alleged attacker before, but that the man knew his name.
Bastani said the alleged attack happened near his home and was preceded by the man shouting his name.
The man was taken in for questioning by police, the journalist added.
I can’t quite believe what happened a few hours ago, but on my way to the train station, to head into the @novaramedia office, a man I’ve never seen before screamed my name while passing by and assaulted me. I was punched multiple times. (1/5)
— Aaron Bastani (@AaronBastani) July 25, 2023
He wrote: “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.”
