Two Romanian men have been sentenced to a combined 31 years in prison for the stabbing of Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati in London, in what prosecutors described as a targeted attack linked to his work.
The Attack and Sentencing
George Stana, 28, and Alexandru Mihai, 30, were convicted at the Old Bailey on Friday for the attempted murder of Zeraati, who was stabbed multiple times outside his home in north London in December 2025. Stana received a 17-year sentence, while Mihai was jailed for 14 years. Both men, who were living illegally in the UK, will be deported after serving their terms.
The court heard that the attack was planned and carried out on the orders of an Iranian intelligence network, with the assailants having been paid £10,000 each. Zeraati, a critic of the Iranian regime, had previously received death threats.
Victim's Condition and Impact
Zeraati suffered life-threatening injuries, including wounds to his chest and abdomen, but has since recovered. In a victim impact statement read to the court, he said: "I live in constant fear for my life and the safety of my family. This attack was meant to silence me, but it has only strengthened my resolve." The judge described the assault as a "brutal and cowardly act of violence."
The Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command led the investigation, which revealed that Stana and Mihai had been surveilling Zeraati for weeks prior to the stabbing. They were arrested within days of the attack after police traced their movements via CCTV and phone records.
Broader Context
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the targeting of Iranian dissidents abroad. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office stated: "This attack on a journalist exercising his right to free speech is unacceptable. We are working with international partners to hold those responsible to account." Iran has denied any involvement in the plot.
