Two Romanian nationals, 21-year-old Nandito Badea and 25-year-old George Stana, were convicted at Woolwich Crown Court on June 5, 2026, for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in the stabbing of Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati in London in 2024 [1, 2].
The attack took place in March 2024 outside Zeraati's home in Wimbledon, south-west London. Zeraati was stabbed three times in the leg and thigh but survived and later returned to work as a journalist for Iran International, a Farsi-language broadcaster opposed by Tehran [1, 2].
Prosecutors said the attack was planned and followed extensive surveillance carried out by the three men involved. Badea wielded the knife, Stana waited in the getaway car, while a third man, David Andrei, involved in the attack is facing separate proceedings in Romania and was not on trial [1, 2]. Duncan Atkinson KC, prosecuting, said, “All three men had acted as a team and carried out extensive surveillance and reconnaissance for the attack ordered by a third party.” [1]
The attack was linked to a third party connected to the Iranian state, with the assailants funded and supported through intermediaries, including business-linked accounts such as one involving Stana’s sister’s Revolut account [1, 2]. Iranian authorities have denied any connection with the assault [1, 2].
Zeraati worked for Iran International, a channel labeled a terrorist organisation by Tehran since 2022, reflecting Tehran's opposition to dissident media [1, 2]. The assault is part of a wider pattern of intimidation against Iranian dissident journalists and communities in the UK [1, 2].
The sentencing hearing for Badea and Stana is scheduled for July 3, 2026, at the Old Bailey [1].
