Key facts
- Two Iranian men, Rahman Salehi, 35, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, have been charged with preparing acts of terrorism.
- The alleged plot targeted the Jewish community in Manchester.
- The arrests were made on September 20, the eve of Yom Kippur.
- Counter-terrorism police believe the plot was disrupted.
- Searches were conducted at properties in Liverpool and Salford.
Two Iranian men have been charged in the UK with preparing acts of terrorism targeting the Jewish community in Manchester. Rahman Salehi, 35, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, face charges of preparing to commit an act of terrorism or assisting another to commit an act of terrorism. The arrests were made on September 20, the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, following a joint counter-terrorism police investigation.
Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counter-terrorism police, stated that the investigation disrupted what is believed to have been a plot targeting the Jewish community. She reassured the public that counter-terrorism policing, working with national security partners, is using full capabilities to protect the UK from hostile acts. Frank Ferguson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's special crime and counter-terrorism division, confirmed that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and reminded the public that proceedings are active and defendants have the right to a fair trial.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood affirmed the government's commitment to addressing threats against the Jewish community. The men were detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and remain in custody. Searches were also carried out at properties in Liverpool and Salford. The Community Security Trust described the suspected plot as 'utterly chilling,' particularly given its timing near the anniversary of a previous attack at Heaton Park synagogue.