Iran photojournalist hailed for 'bravely' covering parade attack

An image of an Iranian photojournalist covering an attack on a military parade has been widely published in domestic media and shared on social media.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab

23 September, 2018

Iran has blamed Arab separatists for the deadly attack [Fars]

An image of an Iranian photojournalist covering an attack on a military parade has been widely published in domestic media and shared on social media.

The dramatic picture shows Fatemeh Rahimavian of the Fars news agency capturing the assault that left at least 29 people dead in the southwestern city of Ahvaz.

"It was a horrible scene. I still cannot speak correctly," Rahimavian told the semi-official outlet.

"I don't know what to say about the picture going viral. At that moment it didn't make a difference whether I was a man or a woman because I was fearless."

Rahimavian added that she took cover against a wall after security forces told her black chador made her an easy target for the gunmen.

The image of the photojournalist has been widely shared among Iranians on social media, with many hailing Rahimavian for her bravery and professionalism.

"What a courageous lady! Journalists worldwide are underappreciated," said one Twitter user.

Four militants attacked a parade commemorating the beginning of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, capital of Khuzestan Province.

Among the dead were a journalist and a war veteran in a wheelchair.

Iran has blamed Arab separatists for the deadly attack and accused regional rival Saudi Arabia of supporting them.