Two men found guilty of spying for Iran over plan to target UK-based journalists
Summary
Two Iranian men were convicted at Woolwich Crown Court of conduct likely to assist Iran’s intelligence service in a plan to target people in the UK with serious violence. Prosecutors said Mostafa Sepahvand carried out surveillance and intended to attack at least one target, while Farhad Javadi Manesh helped plan the operation; a third defendant was cleared.Key Facts
- Mostafa Sepahvand, 41, and Farhad Javadi Manesh, 46, were found guilty on Thursday at Woolwich Crown Court.
- The prosecution said the plan targeted two journalists at London-based Persian broadcaster Iran International and Jonathan Turner, a founding member of UK Lawyers for Israel.
- Sepahvand conducted surveillance and reconnaissance, while Manesh assisted with planning.
- The defendants visited addresses linked to targets and took photographs and videos.
- They used online platforms, including ChatGPT, to research the targets.
- Prosecutors said Sepahvand intended to carry out a violent attack against at least one target.
- Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 57, was cleared of the same charge.
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