Iranian Spy Ring Uncovered in London Targeting Journalists
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Three Iranian citizens are on trial in London for allegedly spying for Tehran and planning to harm journalists and critics of the regime. The operation targeted journalists from Iran International and lawyer Jonathan Turner, aiming to silence dissent. The accused, who deny the charges, arrived in the UK between 2016 and 2022.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Three Iranian nationals face trial in London for alleged spying and planning to harm journalists.
- The operation targeted journalists from Iran International and lawyer Jonathan Turner.
- Prosecutors claim the goal was to silence and intimidate critics of the Iranian regime.
- One defendant admitted involvement but claimed duress, which prosecutors rejected.
- The accused arrived in the UK between 2016 and 2022 and deny all charges.
Three Iranian nationals are on trial in London, accused of spying for Tehran and planning to harm journalists critical of the regime. The prosecution alleges the operation aimed to silence and intimidate opposition voices in the UK. The case highlights Iran's alleged efforts to target dissidents abroad.
Prosecutors revealed that Mustafa Sepahvand, 41, was allegedly recruited to carry out the physical attacks, while Farhad Manesh, 46, and Shafpur Nouri, 57, managed surveillance and reconnaissance. Key targets included journalists from Iran International, a Persian-language satellite channel based in London that Tehran has designated a "terrorist organization" due to its critical reporting.
At least two Iran International employees were specifically identified as targets for severe violence. Sepahvand admitted involvement but claimed he acted under duress, a defense the prosecution dismissed as fabricated, suggesting financial motives and a desire to clear a prior theft conviction in Iran.
The investigation also uncovered a detailed briefing document on lawyer Jonathan Turner, a co-founder of British Lawyers for Israel, indicating the threat extended beyond journalists. Evidence presented includes footage of Nouri photographing the apartment building of journalist Mojtaba Pourmohsen in December 2024, followed by Sepahvand and Manesh documenting Pourmohsen later.
The three defendants, who arrived in the UK between 2016 and 2022 and have temporary status after seeking asylum, deny all charges.
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