A British court has convicted two Romanian men for the 2024 stabbing of British-Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati in London. Prosecutors argued that the attack was carefully planned and carried out for individuals connected to the Iranian government. Iran has rejected any involvement in the case.
Court Finds Two Men Guilty Over Planned Attack
Nandito Badea, 21, and George Stana, 25, were found guilty of attacking Zeraati, a presenter with Iran International, a Persian-language news network critical of Tehran.
The journalist was stabbed three times in the leg near his home in southwest London in March 2024. Authorities said the assault was premeditated and involved surveillance before the attack. Badea was identified as the attacker, while Stana allegedly assisted by driving the getaway vehicle.
Following the incident, both men fled the UK and were later extradited from Romania to face trial.
Prosecutors Say Attack Was Conducted for Iran
During the trial, British prosecutors claimed the two men acted as proxies for the Iranian state. According to investigators, the operation was organized by others who financed their travel and coordinated the assault.
A third suspect, David Andrei, was arrested in Romania but did not stand trial in Britain.
Iran has strongly denied accusations that it was behind the stabbing.
Case Raises Concerns Over Threats to Dissident Journalists
The verdict has renewed concerns about alleged campaigns targeting critics of the Iranian government abroad. British security officials have previously warned about increasing threats against dissidents, journalists, and opposition media organizations operating in the UK.
Volant Media, the parent company of Iran International, welcomed the convictions and said its journalists continue to face serious security risks.
Badea and Stana are scheduled to be sentenced on July 3.
