Iranian Men Accused of Spying on UK Journalists for 'Serious Violence'

Three Iranian men have gone on trial in London, accused of spying for Iran with the aim of inflicting serious violence on journalists based in the UK. The prosecution stated that Mostafa Sepahvand, 41, was tasked with carrying out an attack, while Farhad Manesh, 46, and Shapoor Noori, 57, allegedly conducted surveillance and reconnaissance. All three men were born in Iran but resided in London.

According to the prosecution, the primary targets were journalists working for Iran International, a Persian-language satellite channel critical of the Iranian government, which has its headquarters in London. Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC told Woolwich Crown Court that evidence would show the defendants engaged in spying activities, including visiting addresses linked to their targets, taking photographs and videos, and conducting online research.

At least two journalists associated with Iran International were allegedly targeted. Jones stated that at least one journalist was to be subjected to serious violence as retribution and to silence or deter others from criticizing the Iranian regime. Iran International has been designated a "terrorist organisation" by Tehran.

Images of one targeted journalist, Mojtaba Pourmohsen, his workplace, and a hotel where he had lived were reportedly found on Sepahvand's mobile phone in a "briefing document." The prosecution claims Noori photographed Pourmohsen's apartment block in Brentford, southwest London, in December 2024, and that Sepahvand and Manesh also visited the location to take photos and videos.

Sepahvand, who arrived in the UK in 2016 concealed in a lorry, is reportedly not denying his involvement but claims he acted out of fear. The prosecution dismissed this as a "bogus claim," asserting that he acted for financial gain and to have a criminal conviction for theft in Iran resolved.

Manesh and Noori, who arrived in the UK between 2016 and 2022 after claiming asylum, are expected to deny knowledge of carrying out surveillance on behalf of Iran. All three men face charges under the National Security Act, including "assisting a foreign intelligence service."

The trial is ongoing.