Two Men Charged in UK Plot to Target Jewish Community
Authorities allege the defendants conducted reconnaissance on synagogues and were directed by an Iranian individual.
Two men have been charged in the United Kingdom in connection with an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in Manchester. The individuals, identified as Salehi and Ahmadyan, were remanded in custody following a court appearance on October 10. They are scheduled to appear next at the Old Bailey in London on October 23.
According to the prosecution, the defendants are accused of obtaining instructions to construct a chlorine bomb, acquiring necessary materials for an improvised explosive device, and conducting research and reconnaissance on potential targets. These alleged actions reportedly took place as the pair researched and surveilled buildings in Manchester, including the Heaton Park synagogue and the city's Jewish Museum. The prosecution stated that the men carried out "hostile reconnaissance" on these locations.
Searches were conducted at addresses in Epworth Street, Liverpool, and Lancaster Road, Salford, as part of the ongoing investigation. The Metropolitan Police reported that the men were allegedly directed by an Iranian individual believed to be acting on behalf of Iran.
The arrests occurred on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The Heaton Park synagogue was the site of a previous attack during last year's Yom Kippur service, which resulted in the deaths of two congregants, Melvin Kravitz and Adrian Daulby.