Full Breakdown
Stabbing of Iran International Journalist Pouria Zeraati in Wimbledon Linked to Iranian State Proxies
5/19/2026, 5:40:24 AM
Stabbing of Pouria Zeraati in Wimbledon
In March 2024, Pouria Zeraati, a journalist for Iran International, was stabbed three times in the thigh while crossing the street outside his Wimbledon home. He survived after hospitalization. Police say two Romanian men – George Stana, 25, and Nandito Badea, 21 – carried out the attack as assailant and driver; a third Romanian, David Andrei, allegedly restrained Zeraati and remains in Romania, not on trial. The assault follows a November 2022 Tehran poster campaign that listed Zeraati among “Wanted: dead or alive” targets after Tehran designated Iran International a “terrorist organisation”. Prosecutors note the Iranian state has used criminal gangs as proxies for intimidation abroad since 2005.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson told Woolwich Crown Court the assault was a planned and targeted attack ordered by a third party acting for the Iranian state, noting extensive reconnaissance and use of criminal proxies. He said the suspects’ UK presence was funded through more than £80,000 transferred via the construction firm Hemroc Ltd and linked to British-Iranian dual national Edgar Hakkopian. The Iranian government denied involvement, and Stana and Badea publicly deny the charges.
Criticism & Opposition
Iran’s denial directly challenges the prosecution’s claim of state-directed violence. The accused also reject the allegations, maintaining innocence. Journalists worldwide have warned that such Iranian intimidation threatens press freedom.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The BBC says the trial will last up to four weeks; ABC describes it as “more than two weeks”. BBC notes David Andrei remains in Romania and is not on trial, while ABC mentions his arrest but also says he is not part of the trial. Only ABC reports an Iranian denial.
Verbatim Quotes
"This was not a random assault, or a form of robbery. Rather it was a planned and targeted attack." — Duncan Atkinson, Prosecutor, Woolwich Crown Court
"A planned attack preceded by reconnaissance, and which was ordered by a third party acting on behalf of the Iranian state," — Duncan Atkinson, Prosecutor
"Since 2005 the Islamic Republic has turned less to its own operatives and increasingly to use proxies such as criminal gangs to meet their threatened violence on their behalf," — Duncan Atkinson, Prosecutor
"Iran has denied any involvement in the incident." — Iranian Government spokesperson (unnamed)
What's Next
The trial of Stana and Badea is set for up to four weeks; a verdict will determine custodial sentences. Authorities continue probing the Hemroc Ltd payments and links to Edgar Hakkopian, prompting further scrutiny of alleged Iranian proxy operations in the UK.
