UK Iran Intelligence Trial
Three Iranian Nationals Stand Trial in London Over Alleged Plot Against Journalists
Anonymous
Three Iranian nationals are on trial at Woolwich Crown Court, accused of surveilling at least two journalists at London-based Persian-language broadcaster Iran International on behalf of Iran’s government and preparing for a violent attack. Prosecutors say Mostafa Sepahvand was expected to carry out an attack, while Farhad Javadi Manesh and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori helped gather information by visiting addresses, taking photographs and videos, and researching the journalists. The defendants acknowledge conducting surveillance but dispute their motives: Sepahvand says he was threatened or coerced, while Manesh and Noori say they did not know their actions were intended to assist Iranian intelligence. All three deny charges under Britain’s National Security Act.
Key Points
1
Prosecutors alleged the men used ChatGPT to research where their targets lived and worked, and gathered details about their routines, cars, buildings and associates to identify opportunities for an attack.
2
Iran has labelled Iran International a terrorist organisation, according to France 24; the broadcaster is based in London and has been critical of the Iranian government and supportive of opposition groups.
3
Prosecutors said the alleged violence was intended not only as retribution against the journalists but also to silence them and deter others from criticising the Iranian regime.
4
The National Security Act charges were brought under legislation introduced to give UK authorities new powers to address threats from foreign states.
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