Farzad Bazoft (; 22 May 1958 – 15 March 1990) was an Iranian journalist who settled in the United Kingdom in the mid-1970s. He worked as a freelance reporter for The Observer. He was arrested by Iraqi authorities and executed in 1990 after being convicted of spying for Israel while working in Iraq.

Biography

Bazoft went to live in the United Kingdom in 1975 at the age of 16.

After finishing his education he began a career as a freelance journalist, contributing articles about the Middle East and, in particular, the Iran–Iraq War to news outlets including The Observer and the BBC.

Following a one-day trial behind closed doors, lacking conclusive evidence of his guilt, Bazoft was convicted and sentenced to death on 10 March 1990.

References

  • Radio 4 - Witness - Farzad Bazoft - Observer journalist in Baghdad
  • Farzad Bazoft: tough UK action to save journalist was not forthcoming (Guardian)