Two Iranian nationals accused of preparing acts of terrorism against Manchester's Jewish community have been remanded in custody. Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday (October 3).
The men are accused of 'preparing to commit an act of terrorism or assisting another to commit an act of terrorism' on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, last month. They were arrested on Newton Street, in Manchester's Northern Quarter, on September 20.
Prosecution allegations
Prosecutors say the pair carried out 'hostile reconnaissance on Manchester's Jewish community, identifying potential targets such as the Jewish Museum and Heaton Park Synagogue'. The Crown alleges they planned to use a 'homemade explosive device'.
The court heard Salehi and Ahmadyan were in contact with an overseas third-party, believed to be in Iran, in relation to the alleged plot. They are accused of acquiring a document entitled 'Steps for Making [a] Powder Chlorine and Car Brake Oil/Fluid Bomb', as well as 'video material containing instructions on how to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device' and 'liquids, components and equipment' required to manufacture or assemble it.
Raids and further accusations
Following their arrests, raids were carried out at Ahmadyan's address on Epworth Street, Liverpool, and at Salehi's address on Lancaster Road, Salford. Both men are also accused of using the internet 'to identify and research potential targets for attack', acquiring images, plans and maps of potential targets, and 'conducting reconnaissance of potential locations for attack'.
Bail denied and next hearing
District Judge Nina Tempia denied an application by Mr Salehi for bail. Mr Ahmadyan did not submit a bail application. Both were remanded in custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey on October 23.
