Full Breakdown
Conviction of Romanian Men for Stabbing Iran International Journalist Highlights Iranian Proxy Threats in the UK
6/6/2026, 1:56:45 AM
Conviction of Romanian Men for Stabbing Iran International Journalist
On 5 June 2026, a Woolwich Crown Court jury found Nandito Badea (21) and George Stana (25) guilty of wounding with intent after they stabbed Iran International journalist Pour Zeraati on 29 March 2024 in Wimbledon. The assault left Zeraati with three stab wounds to his right thigh. They await sentencing on 3 July 2026. A third suspect, David Andrei, remains under legal proceedings in Romania and was not extradited.
Background & Alleged State Sponsorship
Pour Zeraati presents for Iran International, a Persian-language channel labelled a terrorist organisation by Tehran. In 2022 Tehran posted “Wanted: dead or alive” posters featuring Zeraati. Prosecutors traced over £80,000 from Hemroc Ltd, a London construction firm, into the Revolut account of Stana’s sister Florina, then to accounts linked to Badea and Stana, and to dual national Edgar Hakkopian, who remains uncharged.
Timeline of Attack and Investigation
- Mar 2023: Stana conducts “hostile reconnaissance” near Zeraati’s home; 29 Mar 2024: Badea stabs Zeraati, Stana drives a Mazda 3, and the trio flees via Heathrow to Geneva.
- Dec 2024: Romanian police arrested the pair and later extradited them to the UK.
- 5 Jun 2026: Jury returned guilty verdicts; sentencing set for 3 Jul 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson called the assault a “planned attack preceded by reconnaissance, ordered by a third party acting on behalf of the Iranian state.” Chief Superintendent Kris Wright said the case shows an “increase in ‘proxies’ used to commit criminal acts in the UK.” A Volant Media spokesperson warned its journalists are “subject to an ongoing campaign of intimidation” by Iran.
Criticism & Opposition
Iran’s diplomat in London denied involvement, contradicting the prosecution’s claim of state sponsorship and the “Wanted” posters.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The jury’s verdict did not conclude the attack was carried out on behalf of Iran, leaving the determination to the judge at sentencing. David Andrei remains untried due to extradition constraints, and Edgar Hakkopian’s financing role unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ch Supt Kris Wright of Counter Terrorism Policing said: "I believe he was targeted because of his role as the vocal opposition to the Iranian regime here in the UK.” — Kris Wright, Counter-Terrorism Policing London
- “This was a targeted and violent attack and it was the prosecution’s case during the trial that it was carried out on behalf of the Iranian regime.” — Kris Wright
- “He started stabbing the back of my right thigh very quickly. All the time he was looking me in the eye,” — Pour Zeraati, journalist
- “we've seen an increase in 'proxies' being used by a foreign state to commit serious criminal acts in the UK, designed to threaten individuals, as well as our way of life” — Kris Wright
Implications for UK Security and Media Freedom
The convictions highlight a rising pattern of Iranian-backed proxy attacks on UK soil, prompting tighter counter-terrorism measures and underscoring journalists’ vulnerability. The case also exposes cross-border prosecution challenges, reinforcing the need for robust protection for media workers targeted by foreign regimes.
