London man arrested over attack on Iran International presenter
A man has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of Iran International presenter Pouria Zeraati in London last year, police in London announced Wednesday.
A man has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of Iran International presenter Pouria Zeraati in London last year, police in London announced Wednesday.
Officers from the Counter Terrorism Command arrested the 40-year-old man at a property in Cricklewood, London, on Tuesday, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.
After being taken to a west London police station, he was released on bail until April while investigations continue.
The arrest is linked to the ongoing investigation into the assault, which occurred on March 29. Two Romanian nationals were previously arrested after being extradited from Romania in December.
Nandito Badea, 20, and George Stana, 24, have been charged with wounding and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. They appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 December and were remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on January 17.
Zeraati was stabbed outside his home in Wimbledon, south London, sustaining injuries to his leg. He was discharged from the hospital two days later.
According to a statement from the Metropolitan Police, the motive for the attack remains unclear.
However, in light of previous threats from Iranian intelligence targeting Iran International journalists, the investigation is being led by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command.
In 2022, Iran International temporarily relocated its television broadcasts from London to Washington, DC, after police uncovered direct threats against two other journalists at the organization and British intelligence services said they could no longer guarantee their safety.
