Romanians Handed Jail Terms for UK Journalist Stabbing on Iran's Behalf

Two Romanian citizens have been incarcerated for their involvement in the stabbing of a journalist in Wimbledon, an act orchestrated by the Iranian regime with the intent to "silence" him. The target, Pouria Zeraati, an employee of the Persian-language news channel Iran International, is known for his critical reporting on the Iranian government. The incident, which occurred in March 2024, saw Nandito Badea, 21, and George Stana, 25, assault Zeraati as he approached his vehicle near his residence, situated close to the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

At London's Old Bailey, Stana received a 12-year prison sentence, while Badea was handed an eight-year term. Both were found guilty last month of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the act, stating, “For anyone to act on behalf of Iran and to plan and carry out an attack on a journalist, on British soil, is deplorable.” She added that the sentencing delivers a clear message to the Iranian regime and its agents. Zeraati required hospitalisation and stitches for three stab wounds to his leg following the assault.

Police reports indicate that two men approached the victim as he was leaving his home for his car. One requested money before Zeraati was restrained by one assailant and repeatedly stabbed in the leg by the second. The attackers then fled on foot before entering a blue Mazda, which the court identified Stana as driving. Zeraati testified that Badea wielded the knife, while a third individual, David Andrei, held him during the attack. The perpetrators subsequently departed the UK on a flight to Geneva from Heathrow Airport. Andrei remains in Romania, while Badea and Stana were extradited to the UK.

In her sentencing remarks, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb affirmed, “I am sure that this was an attack for – or for the benefit of – a foreign power.” She highlighted that Pouria Zeraati was not a random target, noting his prior experience with threats and the appearance of "Wanted. Dead or alive." posters featuring his image in Tehran, the Iranian capital. The judge concluded that Stana was aware, or should have been aware, that the attack served Iranian interests, though she expressed uncertainty regarding Badea's knowledge. Evidence presented in court revealed the attack had been meticulously planned for "at least one year," involving extensive surveillance of Zeraati’s Wimbledon home.

In his victim impact statement, read in court, Zeraati detailed the profound effects of the incident, including “significant sleeplessness,” and feelings of being “scared and anxious.” He revealed that he has had to relocate multiple times and fears going out alone, stating, “I find it difficult to go to restaurants for fear of being followed. I am always looking over my shoulder.” Iran International described the assault on its journalist as “appalling – terrifying for him and his wife, and shocking to his colleagues.” The organisation further stated that its journalists endure an “ongoing campaign of intimidation by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” affecting both their relatives in Iran and themselves on British soil, expressing gratitude for the protection provided by UK authorities.

Following the sentencing, Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle remarked, “This abhorrent attack was carried out on behalf of Iran before both men cowardly fled the country.” She lauded the support of international partners in bringing them back to the UK, where they will now serve their prison terms. Eagle reiterated the government’s serious stance on “the threat from Iran,” pledging continued efforts to hold the regime accountable. Lawyers for both defendants argued that their clients were unaware of working for Iran. Stana’s barrister, Peter Caldwell KC, portrayed him as "functionally illiterate" and "not aware of current affairs," asserting he could not have known. David Spens KC, representing Badea, acknowledged the prosecution’s establishment of the attack’s foreign power link but contended there was no evidence of Badea’s knowledge. Ch Supt Kris Wright, head of protective security operations for Counter Terrorism Policing London, confirmed that the court agreed with their assessment that the targeted attack was orchestrated by the Iranian regime. He cautioned against individuals being used as “proxies” by hostile foreign states, warning that they would be apprehended and face justice.