Romanian Men Sentenced for Assault on Iranian Journalist Linked to Tehran Plot

LONDON – Two Romanian men received prison sentences of eight and 12 years for the 2024 stabbing of a prominent Iranian journalist, an act the court determined was orchestrated by Iranian authorities.

Pouria Zeraati, a presenter for the London-based Iran International television channel, was attacked in the leg outside his Wimbledon residence in March 2024.

Nandito Badea, 21, and George Stana, 25, were convicted by a jury in April 2024 of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Judge Bobbie Cheema-Grubb stated that the evidence conclusively demonstrated the attack was executed on behalf of the Iranian regime.

“I am certain this was an assault orchestrated for a foreign power’s benefit,” declared the judge during sentencing at London’s Central Criminal Court.

British security officials have attributed multiple threats against Iran International to Iranian state actors, following the channel’s critical coverage of Tehran’s government. Zeraati, a frequent on-air personality, had seen his image featured on a “Wanted: Dead or Alive” billboard in Tehran.

In 2023, Iran International temporarily relocated to Washington, D.C., citing heightened state-sponsored threats before returning to London under a new operational base.

Police reported that Badea and an accomplice assaulted Zeraati before fleeing in a vehicle driven by Stana, who later exited the country via Heathrow Airport. Both were extradited from Romania in December 2024, while a third suspect, David Andrei, faces legal proceedings in his home country.

The judge emphasized Stana’s culpability due to his knowledge of the “targeted and severe” nature of the attack, warranting the 12-year term. Badea, having participated for a shorter duration, received eight years in prison.

Iran’s U.K. embassy dismissed allegations of state involvement in the assault.

Zeraati, who fully recovered, disclosed in a victim impact statement that the attack left him “terrified and anxious,” necessitating relocation abroad to avoid retaliation.

Mi5’s chief, Ken McCallum, revealed in October 2024 that over 20 “potentially lethal Iran-linked plots” had been thwarted within the preceding year.

Simultaneously, an Iranian diaspora group has recently claimed responsibility for a series of suspected antisemitic incidents, including stabbings and attempted arson at synagogues.

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