Two Romanian men have been sentenced to a combined 28 years in prison for the attempted murder of Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati in a targeted attack in London. The stabbing took place in March 2024 outside Zeraati's home in Wimbledon, southwest London.
Details of the Attack
On March 29, 2024, Zeraati, a journalist for Iran International television, was attacked as he returned to his residence. The assailants stabbed him multiple times, causing serious injuries. Zeraati was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery; he has since recovered but continues to face psychological trauma.
The attackers, identified as Mihai Alexandru Dragomir, 29, and George Andrei Popescu, 31, both Romanian nationals, were arrested within days of the incident. They were charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.
Sentencing and Motive
On July 3, 2026, at the Old Bailey, Dragomir was sentenced to 16 years and Popescu to 12 years in prison. The judge described the attack as "a brutal and premeditated act of violence" intended to silence a journalist. The court heard that the men were paid by a third party to carry out the stabbing, with evidence linking the plot to Iranian state actors. According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the attack was in retaliation for Zeraati's reporting on the Iranian regime.
Impact and Reactions
Zeraati's employer, Iran International, condemned the attack as an attempt to intimidate independent journalism. The UK government has reiterated its commitment to protecting press freedom. A spokesperson for the Home Office stated: "This sentence sends a clear message that such attacks will not be tolerated, and we will work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice." The case has raised concerns about the safety of exiled Iranian journalists in the UK, with calls for enhanced security measures.
