Iran International journalist Pouria Zeraati was stabbed in London in an attack prosecutors say was a proxy operation by Iranian groups; two Romanian suspects were convicted for the incident.
Pouria Zeraati, a presenter for Iran International, has survived a stabbing in Wimbledon. Nandito Badea and George Stana were convicted of wounding with intent, with the Old Bailey judge saying the attack was carried out for and on behalf of Iran. Sentences are 12 years and 8 years respectively; third suspect David Andrei faces proceedings in Romania. Iran International has faced threats tied to its critical coverage of Iran.
A series of trials and court filings have laid out allegations that Iranian-backed groups have recruited individuals in Europe to target journalists connected to Iran International and other outlets. The trials describe plans to carry out violence for money, with suspects found in the UK possessing weapons and mounting surveillance operations.
Two men have been found guilty of wounding with intent in a stabbing attack on Iran International presenter Pouria Zeraati in Wimbledon, London. Prosecutors say the assault was aimed at silencing a journalist and was carried out with state backing, though Tehran denies involvement. Sentencing is set for July 3.