Mostafa Sepahvand on trial for plotting attack on Iran International journalists

Vahid Malmir: Vahid Malmir is a contact with whom Sepahvand communicated about potential involvement in criminal investigations. Messages shown in court include Sepahvand questioning Malmir’s role and receiving assurances of support. Malmir is not charged in the proceedings. Kambiz Hosseini: Kambiz Hosseini is a journalist at Iran International identified in court proceedings as a potential target of the alleged plot. Prosecutors presented evidence of the defendants gathering information about his social media accounts and associated locations in connection with Iranian intelligence activities. The trial centers on efforts to target such media figures. Mostafa Ghorbani: Mostafa Ghorbani is a contact who exchanged messages and voice recordings with Mostafa Sepahvand regarding financial incentives and assurances about resolving legal matters in Iran. In the communications presented at trial, Ghorbani relayed promises of payment and support tied to completion of the alleged task. He is not a defendant in the case. Mostafa Sepahvand: Mostafa Sepahvand is an individual currently on trial in Woolwich Crown Court alongside two co-defendants on charges under Britain’s National Security Act. Prosecutors allege he was tasked with carrying out an attack on Iran International journalists after gathering information for Iranian intelligence. In court, messages showed him discussing an embassy visit, financial compensation, and resolution of his legal issues in Iran with various contacts. Mojtaba Pourmohsen: Mojtaba Pourmohsen is a journalist working for Iran International who was named by prosecutors as one of the alleged targets in a planned attack. The case involves claims that the defendants conducted surveillance on journalists including him as part of preparations for serious violence. He is based in Britain where the alleged plot was uncovered. Farhad Javadi Manesh: Farhad Javadi Manesh is one of three defendants on trial in a London court under the UK’s National Security Act for alleged involvement in a plot linked to Iranian intelligence. He is accused of helping prepare for serious violence against at least one target by assisting in surveillance activities. He and his co-defendants deny the charges. Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori: Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori is a defendant facing charges alongside Mostafa Sepahvand and Farhad Javadi Manesh in Woolwich Crown Court under Britain’s National Security Act. Prosecutors claim he helped prepare an operation involving information gathering for Iranian intelligence ahead of potential violence. All three men deny the allegations. Court Evidence: Messages and recordings presented at Woolwich Crown Court detailed communications about potential meetings, payments, and operational tasks linked to the alleged plot. Defense Position: The defendants accept elements of surveillance activity but deny knowing involvement with Iranian intelligence or intent to commit violence. Alleged Motivation: Prosecutors highlighted the defendant’s desire to resolve an existing criminal case in Iran as a factor in his alleged willingness to participate in the operation.