Three Men Stand Trial at Woolwich Crown Court for Alleged Surveillance of UK Dissident Journalists
Three Iranian men went on trial at Woolwich Crown Court on charges of conducting surveillance on UK-based Persian-language journalists for Iran’s foreign intelligence service, Euronews Farsi reported. Mostafa Sepahvand, Farhad Javadi Manesh, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori face charges under Britain’s National Security Act for activities carried out between August 2024 and March 2025.
Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones told the jury that the defendants targeted employees of Iran International, a London-based satellite channel critical of the government in Tehran. According to the prosecution, the ultimate aim of the surveillance was to expose the journalists to serious violence in retaliation for their reporting, according to Reuters.
Prosecutor claims Iranian government targets hostile voices
The trial centers on two charges brought against the defendants under Britain’s National Security Act, legislation enacted to give authorities enhanced powers against foreign state threats. Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones stated that eliminating hostile voices has become a staple policy of the Iranian government, noting that critics speak out against Tehran “at their peril,” Euronews Farsi reported.
Lawyers for Israel. The defendants allegedly visited addresses linked to these targets, taking photographs and video footage in preparation for an attack that Sepahvand was slated to carry out, according to Euronews Farsi.
Defense Positions and Divergent Explanations in Court
All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. While they acknowledge visiting the locations and capturing images, they dispute the intent behind their actions, according to Reuters.
Farhad Javadi Manesh and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori argue that they did not know their activities would assist Iranian intelligence. Meanwhile, Mostafa Sepahvand admits he was aware his actions would aid Iranian intelligence, but claims he acted under coercion or threat, Euronews Farsi reported.
Trial opens amid diplomatic tensions between Britain and Iran
The proceedings opened amid rising diplomatic tensions between Britain and Iran regarding the targeting of dissidents abroad. Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones reminded the Woolwich Crown Court jury of historical threats against critics of Tehran, referencing the 1989 order issued by Ayatollah Khomeini against author Salman Rushdie and the 2022 stabbing attack against Rushdie in New York, as reported by Euronews Farsi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific legal charges do the three defendants face?
The three men are each charged with two offenses under Britain’s National Security Act for engaging in conduct likely to assist Iran’s foreign intelligence service, as reported by Reuters and Euronews Farsi.
Which media organization and individuals were targeted in the alleged surveillance plot?
The surveillance targeted journalists working for Iran International, specifically naming Mojtaba Pourmohsen and Kambiz Hosseini, alongside Jonathan Turner, a founding member of U.K.
In what timeframe did the alleged surveillance take place?
The prosecution alleges that the surveillance activities occurred between August 2024 and March 2025, according to reports from Euronews Farsi and Reuters.
How do the defendants explain their presence at the targeted locations?
While all three men admit to visiting the locations and recording images, Javadi Manesh and Noori claim they did not know they were assisting intelligence, whereas Sepahvand admits awareness but claims he was threatened, according to Euronews Farsi and Reuters.
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