Two Romanians Stabbed an Iranian Journalist in London, at Iran's Request. The Attack Was of 'Deliberate and Planned Violence,' Says the Prosecutor

London – A chilling account of a "deliberate and planned" knife attack on Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati has unfolded in a London court, with two Romanian citizens, Nandito Badea and George Stana, facing charges. The prosecution alleges that this violent act, which saw Zeraati stabbed three times in the leg near his home in Wimbledon in March 2024, was orchestrated by elements acting on behalf of the Iranian state.

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The attack was 'a deliberate and planned violence' organized to inflict serious injury on the target.

This case, as reported by Adevărul, highlights a disturbing trend where foreign states allegedly employ criminal groups to intimidate or harm dissidents and critics living abroad. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting the attack was preceded by surveillance and that the journalist was a clear target. The display of posters in Tehran in November 2022, featuring journalists like Zeraati with the message "Dead or Alive," underscores the perceived threat against them.

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The attack was preceded by surveillance and allegedly ordered by 'a third party acting on behalf of the Iranian state'.

While Iran has officially denied any involvement, the court heard details of the alleged meticulous planning, including the suspects' movements before and after the attack, their attempts to flee the UK, and a potential financial motive. The involvement of Romanian nationals in such an alleged state-sponsored operation raises complex questions about international crime networks and the reach of political intimidation. The trial is expected to last over two weeks, shedding further light on the intricate and dangerous world of geopolitical tensions playing out on foreign soil.

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Wanted: Dead or Alive