Romanian authorities have arrested two men in connection with the stabbing of Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati earlier this year in London. The two suspects, Nandito Badea, 19, and George Stana, 23, are accused of being involved in the attack as part of a broader campaign by Iran to intimidate critics and journalists opposed to the regime.
The attack occurred on March 29, when Zeraati, a broadcaster at a Persian-language media organization, was ambushed near his home in Wimbledon. He was stabbed in the thigh by one of the assailants while the other held him down. Zeraati, who has been a vocal critic of the Iranian government, survived the assault but was left with serious injuries.
The incident highlighted the growing trend of Iran’s use of criminal proxies to silence critics beyond its borders. Western security officials have previously uncovered similar plots, including instances where Iran allegedly used members of the Hells Angels biker gang and Russian criminal networks to target Iranian exiles.
The Metropolitan Police, which has been investigating the case under its Counter Terrorism Command due to the victim’s journalistic work and prior threats against him, has stated that the investigation into the attack continues. While the two suspects were arrested in Romania, British authorities are seeking their extradition.
Zeraati, a British citizen, expressed his relief following the arrests, stating that he hoped justice would be served and that it would lead to stronger policies addressing the threat of transnational repression. This type of repression involves the use of violence by a state against its political or religious dissidents who live in foreign countries.
The attack on Zeraati, who hosts a news show critical of the Iranian government, underscores concerns over the safety of journalists and activists who speak out against Tehran. In response to increased threats, the network Zeraati works for, Iran International, temporarily relocated its operations to Washington, D.C. after police arrested a suspect in February 2023 for surveilling its London offices.
The suspects in Zeraati’s case had initially evaded detection as they fled the country after the attack, but were eventually tracked by authorities. The arrests on Wednesday were part of a larger operation involving the Romanian government, though officials there have not yet commented.
