Two individuals from Iran have been charged in connection with an alleged terrorist plot aimed at the Jewish community in Manchester.
Rahman Salehi, aged 35, and 36-year-old Salam Ahmadyan face charges related to the preparation or assistance in committing acts of terrorism.
Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counter-terrorism police (CTP), stated, “These charges are of a grave nature and stem from a collaborative investigation by CTP, in coordination with our security service partners. This inquiry has successfully disrupted what we believe to be a threat targeting the Jewish population in Manchester.”
She further noted, “This week’s events have highlighted some of the broader dangers emanating from Iran towards the UK. Although this case is unrelated to the RAF Fairford incident, I want to reassure the public that CTP, alongside our national security partners, is employing all available resources to safeguard the UK against any hostile actions.”
The two men were apprehended on September 20, which coincided with the eve of Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar. They were taken into custody on Newton Street, located in the Northern Quarter of Manchester, and subsequently held at a police station in London.
Authorities have been granted additional time to interrogate the suspects, who were detained under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood remarked, “These recent developments are a stark reminder of the threats that this country faces from both domestic terrorists and foreign state actors. This news will understandably be distressing for our Jewish communities, particularly following Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This is especially pertinent in Manchester as we commemorate one year since the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.”
She added, “The fact that both individuals arrived in the UK via small boat several years ago underscores the importance of our ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration. While we have seen a reduction in numbers, there is still much work to be done.”
Salehi and Ahmadyan are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 3.
Frank Ferguson, who heads the CPS’s special crime and counter-terrorism division, indicated, “Following a rapid counter-terrorism investigation in Greater Manchester aimed at the Jewish community, we have opted to prosecute Rahman Salehi and Salam Ahmadyan. Our prosecutors have determined that there is enough evidence to proceed with this case, and we remind everyone that legal proceedings are active, ensuring the defendants’ right to a fair trial.”
Ferguson also expressed understanding that the timing of the arrests, occurring just before Yom Kippur, may provoke concern. He assured the Jewish community that their safety, along with that of the public at large, remains a top priority for law enforcement.
The Metropolitan Police, who are overseeing the investigation, confirmed that searches have also taken place at locations in Liverpool and Salford.
At the time of the arrests, Evans emphasized that police efforts are focused on ensuring the safety of the Jewish community and the broader public, especially during the High Holy Days, through cooperative security measures and advice.
Last year, a man named Jihad Al-Shamie was shot dead by police after carrying out a terror attack at Heaton Park Synagogue during Yom Kippur, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, and injuring three others.
