Two men charged in Romania over stabbing of Iranian journalist in London

Pouria Zeraati, a 37-year-old presenter at London-based broadcaster Iran International, told Paste BN he "lost a lot of blood" in the attack in March.

Thursday 5 December 2024 16:08, UK

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Two Romanian nationals have been charged in their home country after an Iranian journalist was stabbed in Wimbledon.

Pouria Zeraati, a 37-year-old presenter at London-based broadcaster Iran International, was knifed in the leg during the attack outside his home in southwest London on 29 March.

He later told Paste BN' The World with Yalda Hakim that he "lost a lot of blood" in the stabbing.

Nandito Badea, 19, and George Stana, 23, were arrested in Romania on Wednesday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

They have been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and wounding.

The CPS said the men have appeared in a Romanian court for the "start of extradition proceedings".

A CPS spokesperson said: "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 charges relate to an attack on a journalist in Wimbledon on the afternoon of Friday, 29 March 2024."

They added: "We continue to work closely with Romanian authorities, to ensure that our extradition request is progressed through the courts.

"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."