Two Romanians jailed in London over stabbing of journalist Pouria Zeraati

Two Romanian nationals have been jailed in London for stabbing journalist Pouria Zeraati in what a judge said was an attack carried out for, or for the benefit of, a foreign power. The sentencing at the Old Bailey followed convictions last month over the March 2024 assault in Wimbledon. Zeraati works for Iran International, a Persian-language channel critical of the Iranian government.

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The court heard that Nandito Badea, 21, and George Stana, 25, attacked Zeraati as he walked to his car near his home, close to the All England Lawn Tennis Club. Stana was sentenced to 12 years in prison and Badea to eight years after being found guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The judge said she was sure the victim had not been selected at random and that he had previously been subject to threats.

Zeraati was taken to hospital and needed stitches for three stab wounds in his leg. He told the court the attack had left him with significant sleeplessness, anxiety and fear of going out alone. He said he had moved address several times and worried about being followed, adding that he was always looking over his shoulder.

The court also heard that Stana drove the Mazda getaway car, while Zeraati said a third man, David Andrei, held him during the stabbing. The case has drawn attention because it was treated by the court as an attack linked to a foreign power, with the judge saying there had been posters in Tehran showing Zeraati's photograph with the words "Wanted. Dead or alive".

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The court heard the attack had been planned for at least a year and involved extensive surveillance of his home in Wimbledon. That background places the case within wider concerns in Britain and elsewhere about intimidation of journalists and the use of criminal proxies in operations linked to state interests. Iran International has long been critical of the Iranian government, and the court's findings underline the risks faced by journalists who report on politically sensitive issues.

The judge said Stana knew, or should have known, that the attack was being carried out on behalf of Iran, although she was not sure that Badea knew. Lawyers for both men argued they did not know they were working for Iran when they took part in the assault. What remains unclear is the role of David Andrei, who is still in Romania, and whether further proceedings will follow.

The sentencing closes one stage of the case, but the court's remarks suggest the investigation has broader national-security implications. The key question now is whether any additional suspects or organisers will be identified and whether the alleged foreign link will lead to further action.

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