Guilty Verdicts in Stabbing of Iranian Journalist Highlight Proxy Threats

Two Romanian men were found guilty of stabbing Pouria Zeraati, a journalist for Iran International, in London. The attack, believed to be state-ordered by Iran, highlights the rising threats against journalists critical of Tehran. Iran has denied involvement, while the conviction underscores foreign proxy tactics in the UK.

In a verdict that underscores the growing threat against journalists, two Romanian men were convicted for the stabbing of Pouria Zeraati, a journalist known for his critical stance against the Iranian government, in London. The guilty verdicts were handed down at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday.

The attack took place near Zeraati's residence in March 2024, with prosecutors convincingly arguing that it was orchestrated by proxies acting at the behest of the Iranian state. The defendants, Nandito Badea and George Stana, pleaded not guilty to wounding with intent but were ultimately found guilty.

Volant Media, Iran International's parent company, welcomed the verdicts, reiterating concerns over the ongoing campaign of intimidation against its journalists. This incident is part of a series of threats where proxies are purportedly used to target journalists critical of Tehran around the globe.