Two Romanian nationals convicted of stabbing Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati outside his London home were sentenced to 12 and eight years in prison on Friday, July 3, 2026. The attack, which occurred in 2024, was carried out on behalf of the Iranian government, according to the judge at London's Old Bailey court.
Sentences Handed Down at Old Bailey
George Stana, 25, received a 12-year sentence, while Nandito Badea, 21, was jailed for eight years. Both were found guilty of wounding with intent in connection with the stabbing of Zeraati, a news presenter for the Persian-language outlet Iran International. The duo had denied the charge but were convicted by a jury following a trial.
Judge Bobbie Cheema-Grubb stated that the evidence “overwhelmingly points” to the attack being orchestrated on behalf of the Iranian government. “I am sure that this was an attack carried out for and for the benefit of a foreign power,” she said. “Pouria Zeraati was a well-known critic of the regime and he had previously been subjected to threats, as had members of his family.”
Details of the Attack
Zeraati was stabbed multiple times in the leg outside his home in Wimbledon, southwest London, requiring emergency treatment. Despite the severity of the attack, he returned to work at Iran International the following month, stating that “the show must go on.” In a victim impact statement, Zeraati told police the attack left him “scared and anxious,” forcing him to relocate abroad out of fear of further reprisals.
During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Badea and another man had surveilled Zeraati’s property on eight occasions across five dates, flying into the UK “expressly” for the attack. The duo were arrested in Romania in December 2024 and extradited to Britain. However, a third man allegedly involved in the attack remains in Romania, facing separate charges there, according to police.
Government Response
Responding to the sentences, UK Security Minister Angela Eagle condemned the “abhorrent attack,” which she said was “carried out on behalf of Iran before both men cowardly fled the country.” She added: “These sentences send a clear message: anyone acting on behalf of a foreign state to commit crimes in the UK will be identified, pursued and punished.” Eagle emphasized that Britain takes the threat from Iran “extremely seriously,” vowing to “continue to hold the regime to account.”
Background on Iran International
Iran International, a private broadcaster based in a heavily secured building in west London, was designated a “terrorist” organization by Tehran in 2022, along with the BBC’s Persian-language channel. Zeraati, a prominent critic of the Iranian regime, had previously faced threats against himself and his family.
