A former professional footballer accused of stabbing an Iranian journalist in London has told a court that an accomplice was responsible for the attack. Nandito Badea, 21, who previously played for Romanian clubs Astra and Blejoi, gave evidence at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, claiming that a man named David Andrei carried out the stabbing.
Iran International journalist Pouria Zeraati was left bleeding in the street after being attacked outside his home in Wimbledon on March 29, 2024. Prosecutors allege that Badea and fellow Romanian national George Stana, 25, carried out a planned attack ordered by a third party acting on behalf of the Iranian state. Both men have pleaded not guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and wounding.
Badea told the jury that he believed he was only conducting surveillance on a man allegedly having an affair with another man's wife. He said Andrei came from behind and stabbed Mr Zeraati in the thigh. 'I saw David taking a knife out of his pocket. Then he stepped one step towards him. He stabbed him. I ran away,' Badea said. He claimed he was scared of Andrei, who later slapped and threatened him and his family when Badea said he would report the incident.
The defendants fled to Heathrow Airport after the attack and took a flight to Geneva, Switzerland. Badea said he changed his clothes and threw them in a bin at Andrei's request. He was later extradited back to England. Badea stressed that he was not paid for his involvement and had no knowledge that Mr Zeraati was a journalist critical of the Iranian regime.
The court heard that Mr Zeraati worked for Iran International, a competitor of the state broadcaster, which the Iranian regime has designated as a terrorist organisation. The trial continues.
