In recent developments from London, two Romanian nationals have been found guilty in the stabbing incident involving a journalist from a Persian-language television network. The attack, according to prosecutors, was allegedly orchestrated under the directive of Tehran authorities.
The verdict delivered by the jury at Woolwich Crown Court convicted Nandito Badea, aged 21, and George Stana, aged 25, of intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm. The victim, Pouria Zeraati, who is a presenter with Iran International, based in London, was assaulted in March 2024. Zeraati suffered a stab wound to the leg outside his residence in Wimbledon but has since recovered and resumed his professional duties.
Authorities reported that Badea, a former professional soccer player, and another individual attacked Zeraati before escaping in a getaway vehicle driven by Stana. The duo subsequently left the UK via Heathrow Airport. Both Badea and Stana were apprehended in Romania by December 2024 and were extradited back to the UK. The third suspect, David Andrei, is currently facing legal proceedings in Romania.
Chief Superintendent Kris Wright of Counter Terrorism Policing London commented, “This was a targeted and violent attack and it was the prosecution’s case during the trial that it was carried out on behalf of the Iranian regime.”
While the jury’s decision does not conclusively link the attack to Iranian directives, prosecutors indicated that the judge might consider this perspective during the sentencing on July 3. Meanwhile, Iran’s top diplomat in the UK has refuted claims of Tehran’s involvement.
The satellite broadcaster, Iran International, has previously been the target of threats due to its critical coverage of Iran’s government. In 2023, the channel temporarily relocated its operations to Washington, D.C., citing increased “state-backed threats from Iran.” It later resumed broadcasting from a new London location.
UK security agencies have raised alarms about Iran’s purported involvement in increasing plots against Farsi-language media and Jewish communities on British soil. Ken McCallum, head of Britain’s MI5 domestic intelligence, remarked in October on the disruption of over 20 “potentially lethal Iran-backed plots” in the previous year.
Recently, an Iranian proxy group has taken responsibility for a series of suspected antisemitic attacks, which include stabbings and attempted arson at synagogues.
