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.