Romanians Sentenced for Iran-Directed Attack on Journalist

Two Romanian nationals, identified as Alexandru-Iulian Ghita and Mihai-Cristian Cimpoesu, were sentenced in London on May 23, 2024, for their involvement in an attack on Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati. The incident occurred on March 30, 2024, on a street in Wimbledon, where Zeraati was stabbed. The Old Bailey court heard that the attack was orchestrated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and was part of a broader pattern of intimidation and threats against individuals critical of the Iranian regime living in the UK.

Ghita received a sentence of 3 years and 8 months, while Cimpoesu was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months. The court was informed that the pair were paid a sum of money to carry out the assault. Judge Mark Dennis KC stated that the attack was "an operation directed by the state of Iran" and that Zeraati was targeted due to his journalistic work. Zeraati, who works for Iran International, a London-based Persian-language television channel critical of the Iranian government, was present in court during the sentencing.

This case is part of a series of alleged Iranian intelligence operations targeting dissidents and journalists in the UK. In January 2024, the UK government sanctioned Iranian intelligence officials and entities for their involvement in threats and harassment against UK-based individuals. The Metropolitan Police have been investigating multiple alleged plots by Iran against UK residents, including assassination attempts and surveillance operations. The sentencing of Ghita and Cimpoesu underscores the ongoing concerns regarding foreign interference and state-sponsored intimidation on British soil.