Two Romanians jailed for stabbing journalist on behalf of Iran regime
Two Romanians Jailed for Attacking Journalist on Behalf of Iran
Two Romanians jailed for stabbing journalist - Two Romanian citizens were sentenced to prison for attacking a journalist in Wimbledon, allegedly acting as agents of the Iranian regime to silence him. The assailants, Nandito Badea and George Stana, targeted Pouria Zeraati, a reporter for Iran International, a Persian-language news outlet critical of the Iranian government. The incident occurred in March 2024 as Zeraati walked to his car near his residence, close to the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
Attack Details and Court Proceedings
According to police reports, two men approached Zeraati as he left his home, with one demanding money before the victim was subdued and stabbed multiple times in the leg by the second. The attackers then fled on foot, later boarding a blue Mazda. Stana, 25, was identified as the driver of the getaway vehicle, while Badea, 21, wielded the knife. A third individual, David Andrei, assisted by holding Zeraati during the assault. After the attack, the pair departed the UK on a flight to Geneva, leaving Andrei behind in Romania.
"For anyone to act on behalf of Iran and plan an attack on a journalist on British soil is deplorable," stated Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. "Today’s sentence sends a clear message to the Iranian regime and those who serve its interests."
Judge's Ruling and Motive
Justice Cheema-Grubb emphasized that the attack was orchestrated for a foreign power, stating, "I am sure this was an attack for—or for the benefit of—a foreign power." She noted Zeraati was not a random target, citing prior threats and posters in Tehran featuring his image with the caption "Wanted. Dead or alive." The judge concluded Stana was aware of the attack’s connection to Iran, while Badea’s knowledge remained uncertain.
Victim's Experience and Fear
Zeraati described the aftermath in a victim impact statement, saying the attack caused "significant sleeplessness" and left him "scared and anxious." He recounted moving addresses multiple times and avoiding public spaces for fear of being followed. "I find it difficult to go to restaurants, always looking over my shoulder," he added, highlighting his ongoing sense of vulnerability.
"This abhorrent attack was carried out on behalf of Iran before both men cowardly fled the country," said Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle. "With international partners’ help, we brought them back to face justice, and now they will serve years in prison."
Legal Defense and Prosecution Evidence
The defense argued the men were unaware they were acting for Iran. Stana’s lawyer, Peter Caldwell KC, claimed, "He is not a sophisticated person. He is functionally illiterate and unaware of current affairs." Badea’s attorney, David Spens KC, admitted the attack was conducted on behalf of a foreign power but stated, "There is no evidence Mr. Badea knew of those matters."
Iran International condemned the assault, calling it "appalling" and "terrifying for him and his wife." The outlet noted the Islamic Republic’s efforts to intimidate journalists, both within Iran and abroad, including threats against relatives and surveillance of Zeraati’s movements. The court heard the attack had been planned for at least one year, with extensive monitoring of the journalist’s Wimbledon home.