Two Romanians jailed over stabbing of Iranian TV journalist in London

Two Romanians, Nandito Badea and George Stana, have been jailed for their involvement in a targeted knife attack on Iranian TV journalist Pouria Zeraati outside his London home on March 29, 2024. A judge stated that evidence overwhelmingly indicates the attack was carried out on behalf of the Iranian regime, which views Zeraati's employer, Iran International, as a terrorist organization. Stana was sentenced to 12 years and Badea to eight years for wounding with intent. Prosecutors described the stabbing as a planned attack preceded by reconnaissance, ordered by a third party acting for the Iranian state. Zeraati, a critic of the regime, reported feeling scared and anxious, necessitating his relocation abroad.

Two Romanian men have been sentenced in London for stabbing Pouria Zeraati, a presenter for the Persian-language television station Iran International. Nandito Badea received an eight-year sentence, and George Stana received a 12-year sentence for wounding Zeraati with intent to cause grievous bodily harm outside his home in March 2024. The judge stated that evidence overwhelmingly indicated the attack was carried out on behalf of the Iranian authorities. U.K. security officials allege Iran is behind increasing plots targeting opposition media and the Jewish community in Britain. Zeraati, who had previously been featured on a "Wanted: Dead or Alive" billboard in Iran, reported feeling scared and anxious after the attack and relocated abroad.