Two men accused of gathering information on Israeli and Jewish targets in London for Iran pleaded not guilty at the Old Bailey on Friday, 9 October.
Nematollah Shahsavani and Alireza Farasati each denied a single offence under the National Security Act 2023, Reuters reported. Both were remanded in custody. (reuters.com)
What the charge alleges
The prosecution alleges that the men engaged in conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service in carrying out activities connected with the UK between 9 July and 15 August 2025.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service’s charging statement, the alleged conduct involved gathering information and undertaking reconnaissance of targets. The country concerned is Iran.
The charges were announced on 18 March 2026 under section 3(2) of the National Security Act. Shahsavani is 41 and Farasati is 22, based on the dates of birth published by the CPS.
Israeli and Jewish locations among alleged targets
The alleged targets included the Israeli Embassy, the Israeli Consulate and Bevis Marks Synagogue in London, alongside other Jewish organisations.
These remain prosecution allegations. The defendants deny the charge, and Friday’s hearing did not determine whether the alleged surveillance took place or establish their guilt. (radioroyal.org)
Trial scheduled for April
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb remanded both men in custody ahead of a three-week trial scheduled to begin on 26 April 2027.
A further pre-trial hearing is listed for 12 February 2027, according to Sky News’ court report. (radioroyal.org
