High-profile case10/6/2026

Three Iranians Stand Trial in Britain on Charges of Surveilling Journalists

The trial of three Iranian citizens accused of intelligence activity against critics of the regime in Tehran has begun at Woolwich Crown Court in London. All three deny the charges brought against them under the British National Security Act.

Key facts

•Court: Woolwich Crown Court, London
•Trial opening date: October 6, 2026
•Defendants: Three Iranian citizens
•Alleged surveillance period: August 2024 to March 2025
•Legal basis: British National Security Act
•Expected trial duration: Up to six weeks

Who Are the Defendants?

The defendants are Mostafa Sepahvand, 41, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 46, and Shapour Qalehali Khani Nouri, 57. According to the prosecution's case, from August 2024 to March 2025, they surveilled addresses linked to at least two men who worked for Iran International, the Persian-language television channel broadcasting from London.

The Prosecution's Case

The prosecution claims that the defendants photographed and filmed the locations and also searched online for information about the presumed targets. The jury was told that the acts were carried out on behalf of the Iranian regime and that the ultimate alleged objective was to commit serious violence in Britain to take revenge on critics and intimidate others. The targets named in court included Iran International journalist Mojtaba Pourmohsen and attorney Jonathan Turner, one of the founders of UK Lawyers for Israel.

The Defense's Position

According to the report, the defense teams for Manesh and Nouri intend to argue that they were unaware of the connection between their activities and Iranian intelligence. Sepahvand is expected to argue that he acted under threats and pressure, and that he deliberately performed the tasks negligently so as not to provide useful information. The court has not yet examined these arguments.

No Decision Has Yet Been Reached

The trial opened on October 6, 2026, and is expected to last up to six weeks. The source reports that the three defendants were arrested the previous year and that they arrived in Britain through irregular routes between 2016 and 2022. The publication did not report a sentence or any other final decision.

What this means for you

This proceeding in itself does not change the rights and obligations of Israeli residents because it is taking place in Britain under British law. It shows that surveillance of journalists and people considered critics of a foreign regime may be regarded as activity on behalf of foreign intelligence, but the guilt of these particular defendants has not yet been determined.

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