Two Romanian men due in court over stabbing of journalist in Wimbledon

Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati was stabbed in the leg.

They will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday
Author: Aileen O'SullivanPublished 18th Dec 2024

Two Romanian men are set to appear in a UK court over the stabbing of an Iranian journalist outside his London home.

Pouria Zeraati was stabbed in the leg as he approached his car in Queensmere Road, Wimbledon, on March 29.

Nandito Badea, 19, and George Stana, 23, were arrested at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday having been detained in Romania earlier this month.

The pair were met by officers from the Metropolitan Police's counter terrorism command, which is leading the investigation into the assault.

They will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and wounding.

Helen Flanagan, from the counter terrorism command, said: "This has been a long-running investigation and I am pleased we have reached a point where two men have now been charged and will face prosecution here in the UK.

"I would like to thank our Romanian counterparts for their co-operation on this matter, as well as colleagues from the CPS and NCA who have helped us to reach this point."

Mr Zeraati, who works for London-based dissident broadcaster Iran International, returned to work on April 5, a week after the attack, saying "the show must go on".

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