Trial Begins for Romanian Men Accused in London Stabbing of Iranian Journalist

The trial of two Romanian nationals accused of attacking Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati commenced at London's Woolwich Crown Court. Zeraati, a presenter for the Persian-language broadcaster Iran International, was stabbed near his Wimbledon home in March 2024.

Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC stated that the assault was a "planned and targeted attack" orchestrated by individuals acting on behalf of the Iranian state. He noted that since 2005, the Islamic Republic has increasingly employed proxies, such as criminal gangs, to carry out acts of violence. Atkinson highlighted that individuals in the UK have become targets of Iranian intimidation and terror.

The defendants, Nandito Badea, 21, and George Stana, 25, have pleaded not guilty to charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and unlawful wounding. Badea is alleged to have wielded the knife during the attack, while Stana is accused of driving the getaway vehicle. A third suspect, David Andrei, remains in Romania and is not currently on trial.

The prosecution detailed that reconnaissance of Zeraati began in March 2023, when Stana was found in the communal garden of Zeraati's residence, wearing gloves and a surgical mask, and carrying scissors. Further surveillance was conducted by Badea and Andrei in early 2024, leading up to the March attack. The getaway car, a Mazda, was purchased on March 6, 2024.

Iran International has been designated a "terrorist organization" by the Iranian government, and its staff have faced threats and harassment. In November 2022, posters in Tehran depicted Zeraati with the caption "Wanted: dead or alive." The broadcaster stated that the attack underscores increasing pressure on its journalists and their families, describing the situation as an effort to silence independent reporting.