Two Iranian men charged with an alleged plot against Manchester's Jewish community have been remanded into custody following a court appearance. Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, were arrested on Newton Street in the Northern Quarter on September 20.
Charges and court appearance
They were charged on Friday (October 2) with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, on the eve of Yom Kippur, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) said.
Both men appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (October 3), where Mr Salehi, through a Kurdish interpreter, and Mr Ahmadyan, through a Farsi interpreter, spoke to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses.
Remand and next hearing
District Judge Nina Tempia remanded both men into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey for a hearing on October 23. It is alleged the two men were in contact with an overseas third party, who may be in Iran, in relation to the plot.
Background of the defendants
Mr Salehi arrived in the UK via small boat in 2020, having previously claimed asylum in Germany and spending five years there, the court heard. He was granted asylum in the UK in 2023 and currently has leave to remain until July 2028.
Mr Ahmadyan arrived via small boat in 2023 and has an outstanding asylum claim, the court heard.
