Breaking News: Two Men Jailed for Stabbing Journalist
Two Romanian nationals have been sentenced to prison for stabbing a journalist in Wimbledon. The attack was carried out on behalf of the Iranian regime to silence the victim, Pouria Zeraati, who works for the Persian language channel Iran International.
Nandito Badea, 21, received an eight-year sentence, while George Stana, 25, was sentenced to 12 years. They were convicted of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The incident occurred in March 2024 as Zeraati was walking to his car near his home.
During the attack, one man distracted Zeraati while the other stabbed him multiple times in the leg. Zeraati required stitches for three stab wounds. After the attack, the men fled in a blue Mazda. Stana drove the getaway car, while Badea wielded the knife. A third accomplice, David Andrei, is still in Romania.
The court revealed that the attack had been planned for over a year, with extensive surveillance of Zeraati’s home. Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb stated that the attack was conducted for the benefit of a foreign power. Zeraati expressed fear and anxiety following the incident, stating he has had to move multiple times for safety.
