# UK trials three Iranians for targeting dissident journalists

> Three Iranians face UK trial over alleged plot to harm critical journalists.
- Title: UK trials three Iranians for targeting dissident journalists
- Summary: Three Iranians face UK trial over alleged plot to harm critical journalists. Three Iranians are accused of spying on UK-based Iranian dissident journalists…
- Keywords: iran, iranian, journalists, dissident, spying, national security act, woolwich crown court, iran international, salman rushdie, ayatollah khomeini, mohsen, trials
- Source: euronews — https://euronews.com/2026/10/06/uk-trial-of-three-iranians-over-alleged-plot-to-target-iran-dissident-journalists
- Author: Anna Kirchheim
- Published: 2026-10-06T18:45:22+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: uk, iran, iranian, journalists, dissident, spying, national security act, woolwich crown court, iran international, salman rushdie, ayatollah khomeini, mohsen
## Trial opens for three Iranians
Three Iranians went on trial in Woolwich Crown Court on charges of spying for Iran's foreign intelligence between August 2024 and March 2025.
## Prosecution claims
Prosecutors say Iran has targeted critics both inside and abroad, with the goal of exposing journalists to serious violence.
## Defendants' actions
The men investigated at least two Iran International journalists, visited addresses, and took photos and videos to prepare for an attack.
## Prosecutor's warning
Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones stated that Iran's actions against critics, including the 1989 death of Salman Rushdie, show the danger of speaking out.
## Defendants' defense
Javadi-Manesh and Nouri claim they did not know their actions aided Iranian intelligence, while Sepehvand admits awareness but says he acted under coercion.
## Key takeaway

Three Iranians are accused of spying on UK-based Iranian dissident journalists to intimidate them with violence.