Mostafa Sepahvand claims Iranian handlers instructed him to attack journalists

Summary

Mostafa Sepahvand, a 41-year-old man, testified in a London court on Thursday that he was instructed by Iranian handlers to physically harm journalists from Iran International, specifically Kambiz Hosseini and Mojtaba Pourmohsen, to prevent their criticism of the Islamic Republic. He claimed these orders also involved intimidating another individual, Jonathan Turner. Currently on trial alongside two co-defendants under Britain's National Security Act, Sepahvand argued he acted under duress from threats against his family, aiming to sabotage the alleged operation rather than comply. The case is part of broader concerns regarding the safety of journalists covering issues related to Iran, highlighting the persistent threats they face from Iranian authorities.

Analysis

Alon Farago: Alon Farago is an individual identified in the London trial as one of the people targeted alongside Iran International journalists in the alleged Iranian-linked operation. Court proceedings describe surveillance and planning activities aimed at him and others critical of Tehran. His inclusion underscores the broader scope of the alleged intelligence-gathering efforts. Emlyn Jones: Emlyn Jones is the prosecutor leading the cross-examination of the defendants in the Woolwich Crown Court trial. He has challenged claims of feigned cooperation, presenting evidence of repeated visits, messages, and demands related to the alleged plot. Jones's questioning focuses on establishing the intent behind the surveillance of targeted journalists and others. Jonathan Turner: Jonathan Turner is named in the court case as another person authorities allege was targeted for intimidation or assault to deter criticism of the Islamic Republic. Prosecutors have detailed instructions given to the defendants regarding attacks on him and fellow targets. The testimony places him in the context of efforts against vocal opponents of Iranian policies. Kambiz Hosseini: Kambiz Hosseini is a journalist working for Iran International, a Persian-language news outlet known for its coverage critical of the Iranian government. He is named in the London court case as one of the intended targets of an alleged plot involving surveillance and planned physical attacks. Prosecutors have presented evidence of messages and activities directed at locating and threatening him and his colleagues. Mostafa Sepahvand: Mostafa Sepahvand is a defendant in a criminal trial at Woolwich Crown Court in London. He faces charges under Britain's National Security Act related to alleged surveillance and preparation for violence on behalf of Iranian intelligence. In the ongoing proceedings, Sepahvand has testified that he was instructed by handlers to attack specific critics of the Islamic Republic but claims he only feigned cooperation under duress. Mojtaba Pourmohsen: Mojtaba Pourmohsen is a journalist at Iran International whose reporting on Iranian affairs has drawn attention from authorities in Tehran. He features in the current trial as another alleged target of the operation, with testimony describing instructions to assault him to halt his criticism of the regime. The case highlights ongoing concerns about threats to journalists covering Iranian politics from abroad. Farhad Javadi Manesh: Farhad Javadi Manesh is a co-defendant in the trial at Woolwich Crown Court, facing charges under the National Security Act alongside Mostafa Sepahvand. He is accused of participating in information gathering for Iranian intelligence in preparation for potential violence against critics. The prosecution has referenced communications linking him to surveillance activities. Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori: Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori is a co-defendant in the same London proceedings, charged under Britain's National Security Act for alleged involvement in the Iranian intelligence operation. He denies the charges, which center on preparing serious violence against individuals critical of Tehran. His case is being heard together with the other two men. Journalist Safety: Iran International journalists have been subject to repeated threats and plots attributed to Iranian authorities in recent reporting on the case. Legal Proceedings: The trial at Woolwich Crown Court involves charges under Britain's National Security Act concerning alleged activities on behalf of Iranian intelligence services. Court Developments: Prosecutors are actively challenging the defense accounts during cross-examination, with proceedings scheduled to continue into the following week.

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