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A court in the UK has heard that an Iranian journalist was stabbed in Wimbledon by men operating on behalf of the Iranian government as part of a broader campaign described as “Iranian terror.” The victim, Pouria Zeraati, works for Iran International, a London-based Persian-language opposition television station. Posters featuring Zeraati appeared in Tehran in November 2022, labeling him as “Wanted: dead or alive.”
Two Romanian nationals, George Stana, 25, and Nandito Badea, 21, stand accused at Woolwich Crown Court of assaulting Zeraati in late March 2024. The attack left Zeraati hospitalized with three stab wounds to his leg. Both men deny charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and unlawful wounding. According to the prosecution, Badea allegedly used the knife in the assault, while Stana is accused of driving the getaway vehicle, a Mazda. A third Romanian, David Andrei, who is suspected of restraining Zeraati during the attack, is not currently on trial as he remains in Romania.
Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC outlined to the jury that the assault was a targeted and carefully planned act rather than a random attack or robbery. He emphasized that the operation was ordered by a third party representing the Iranian state. Atkinson explained that since 2005, Iran has increasingly relied on proxies, including criminal gangs, to carry out violent threats abroad. He told the court that individuals living in the UK have become victims of intimidation and terror orchestrated by Iran.
The prosecution presented evidence of reconnaissance efforts that began in March 2023. Stana was stopped by police while surveilling Zeraati’s residence and was found carrying scissors, gloves, and wearing a mask. Following this, communications via WhatsApp between Stana and a contact named “Em” revealed discussions about damaging Zeraati’s vehicle. Subsequent surveillance by Badea and Andrei took place in early 2024. Financial transactions were also scrutinized, with over £80,000 funneled through Stana’s sister via a London-based company, suspected to fund the defendants’ activities. The funds were ultimately linked to Edgar Hakkopian, a British-Iranian dual national. The trial, underway at Woolwich Crown Court, is expected to continue for up to four weeks
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