Romanian Nationals Charged in Stabbing of Iranian Journalist in London

Charges have been brought against two Romanian citizens following the stabbing of an Iranian journalist outside his residence in London earlier this year. Pouria Zeraati, a journalist for Iran International TV, sustained a knife wound to his leg in Wimbledon on March 29. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that Nandito Badea, 19, and George Stana, 23, were apprehended in Romania on Wednesday and face charges of wounding and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. According to the CPS, the two individuals appeared before a Romanian court to commence extradition proceedings to the United Kingdom. A spokesperson for the CPS stated on Thursday that “following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Counter Terrorism Command, we have authorised charges against two Romanian nationals.” The statement further noted, “We continue to work closely with Romanian authorities, to ensure that our extradition request is progressed through the courts.” The Crown Prosecution Service also emphasized, “The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendants are active and that they have the right to a fair trial.” Mr. Zeraati recounted the event to BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme in April. He explained that as he was heading to his car to drive to the studio, a man approached him under the guise of asking for change. When Mr. Zeraati indicated he had no change and proceeded to unlock his car door, a second man appeared, and together they seized him, preventing him from moving his hands. He stated that the first individual then stabbed him in the leg before both assailants fled. Mr. Zeraati confirmed that no personal items were taken during the assault. Authorities previously stated that the suspects, accompanied by a third man, traveled to Heathrow Airport soon after the incident and departed the UK. Mr. Zeraati received hospital treatment but resumed his work one week following the assault. He informed the BBC in April that despite “feeling much better,” he was still undergoing mental recovery.