Alleged Romanian attackers of Iran International presenter extradited to UK

Two Romanian men arrested in Romania over the stabbing of Iran International presenter Pouria Zeraati have been extradited to Britain, where the attack took place in March 2024.

British police confirmed on Tuesday that the men, Nandito Badea, 19, and George Stana, 23, were taken into custody at Heathrow Airport after being detained by authorities in Romania earlier this month.

The pair face charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. They are set to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Dec. 18.

Zeraati, a British-Iranian, sustained leg injuries in the attack near his home in Wimbledon, southwest London. His case raised concerns over threats to critics of Iran's government, with British officials investigating whether Zeraati was targeted for his work.

Iran has denied any involvement in the case or attempts to target Iranian dissidents abroad.

Officials in Britain and the United States say Tehran recruits criminals to intimidate and attack dissidents.