Three alleged Iranian spies conducted surveillance and reconnaissance targeting journalists in the UK as part of a plan to commit 'serious violence', a court heard on Tuesday. The men are charged under the National Security Act.
Key facts
- Three men are accused of spying for Iran and targeting journalists in the UK.
- The defendants are named as Mostafa Sepahvand, 41, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 46, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 57.
- They are charged with offences under the National Security Act.
- The court heard the surveillance was part of a plan to commit 'serious violence'.
- The defendants did not dispute that they surveilled targets, according to The Guardian.
Three alleged Iranian spies carried out surveillance and reconnaissance to target journalists in the UK as part of a plan to commit ‘serious violence’, a court heard on Tuesday, according to The Guardian.
The defendants were named as Mostafa Sepahvand, 41, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 46, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 57. The men are charged with offences under the National Security Act.
The Guardian reported that the three defendants did not dispute that they had surveilled their targets. The court heard that the surveillance and reconnaissance formed part of a plan to commit serious violence against journalists based in the UK.
The National Security Act provides the legal framework under which the charges have been brought. The case relates to alleged activity directed at journalists working in the United Kingdom.
Further details of the proceedings, including the defence put forward by the accused and the full scope of the allegations, were being set out in court. The outlet’s report focused on the prosecution’s account of surveillance activity and the stated intent behind it.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns about alleged foreign state activity and threats directed at journalists working in the UK. Allegations of surveillance and planned violence against members of the press raise serious questions about press safety and national security.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the men accused in the case?
The three defendants are Mostafa Sepahvand, 41, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 46, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 57, according to The Guardian.
What are the men charged with?
They are charged with offences under the National Security Act, the court heard.
What did the court hear about their alleged activity?
The court heard the men carried out surveillance and reconnaissance to target journalists in the UK as part of a plan to commit 'serious violence'. The Guardian reported the defendants did not dispute that they surveilled targets.