Two Iranian men have been charged with terrorism charges for allegedly plotting to attack Manchester’s Jewish community on the eve of Yom Kippur, the latest in a string of anti-Semitic attacks in Britain this year.
The Metropolitan Police has named Salam Ahmadian, 36, from Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, from Salford, as suspects, who were arrested on September 20, on the eve of Judaism’s holiest day, a year after the Manchester synagogue attack. Police announced Friday that they were charged with “taking part in acts of preparation for an act of terrorism.”
Authorities also said the two men are suspected of having contact with third parties who may be in Iran in connection with the alleged conspiracy.
“These are extremely serious charges and allegations, which arose from a joint investigation by the CTP (Counter-Terrorism Police), working closely with partners in the security services,” said CTP Senior National Coordinator Deputy Commissioner Vicki Evans.
Evans said the investigation helped thwart what was believed to be a plot targeting the Jewish community, but authorities do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public in connection with the attempted attack.
The charges come a year after at least two people were killed in a car crash and stabbing attack outside a Manchester synagogue. They also come just a day after another Iranian national with dual British nationality was arrested on suspicion of terrorist offenses related to an alleged plot to target a Royal Air Force base used by US forces in Fairford, west England.
The 25-year-old man was arrested in London’s Westminster after British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” that Iran was involved in the incident, which Tehran denies.
Officials said the air force base incident was not believed to be connected to recent attempted attacks on Manchester’s Jewish community.
“This week also highlighted some of the broader threats being projected to the UK from Iran,” Mr Evans said. “Whilst there is no connection between this incident and the RAF Fairford investigation, I would like to reassure the public that the CTP is working with our national security partners and doing everything in our power to protect the UK from any hostile action.”
Britain has seen a spate of anti-Semitic attacks this year, including attacks on synagogues and other public buildings. Subsequently, the British government announced an increase in police forces to protect Jewish areas across the country.
Deputy Constable Terry Woods, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “We know how worrying this news is for the Jewish community in Greater Manchester and beyond.” “We know that this situation is particularly acute on the calendar anniversary of last year’s terrorist atrocity at the Heaton Park synagogue and during the Jewish High Holy Days.”
Mr Woods said an “ongoing and robust” policing plan across the Jewish community would remain in place as authorities worked closely with community leaders and Britain’s counter-terrorism police.
