Two Iranian men have appeared in court charged with an alleged bomb plot against the Jewish community in Manchester.
Rahman Salehi, 34, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, 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. The pair were arrested on Newton Street, in Manchester's Northern Quarter, on September 20, as thousands of British Jews prepared to celebrate the annual occasion.
Charges and allegations
Westminster Magistrates Court today heard Salehi and Ahmadyan are accused of acquiring a document titled "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 in order to manufacture or assemble it.
They are further accused of "communicating with others using encrypted applications to acquire components to assemble a homemade explosive device".
Prosecutor Mark Luckett today told the court: "Both defendants are accused of preparing acts of terrorism targeting the Jewish community in Manchester through the use of a homemade explosive device."
Investigation and arrests
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 for attack" and "conducting reconnaissance of potential locations for attack".
After their arrests, raids were carried out at Ahmadyan's address in Epworth Street, Liverpool, and Salehi's address in Lancaster Road, Salford.
Salehi, who the court heard is an Iranian Kurd, and Ahmadyan today appeared in court side-by-side wearing grey prison issue tracksuits. Both men spoke via court interpreters to confirm their names, dates of birth and home addresses.
Court proceedings and response
District Judge Nina Tempia said she denied an application by Salehi for bail. Ahmadyan did not submit a bail application. Remanding them both in custody, she told the pair they will next appear at the Old Bailey on October 23.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), said: "These are extremely serious charges and allegations, and have come about from a joint CTP investigation, working closely with our partners in the security services."
"This investigation has led to the disruption of what we believe to have been a plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester. I would like to reiterate that we do not believe there to be any ongoing threat to the public in relation to this matter, but as always, we would ask that people remain vigilant and contact police with any concerns."
"I'm aware that the news of this alleged plot coming during the High Holy day period has caused a great deal of concern to the Jewish community, as well as with the wider public. It also coincides with the anniversary of the devastating terrorist attack last year at Heaton Park synagogue and comes in a wider context of increasing antisemitic incidents across the UK, so we are very aware that this will likely increase what were already heightened concerns amongst the Jewish community."
Greater Manchester Police Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said: "We know how concerning this news will be to Jewish communities in Greater Manchester, and beyond. We know this 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."
"We continue to work hand in glove locally with community leaders, the Community Security Trust, and our local policing teams, and nationally with Counter Terrorism Police London which have been leading this investigation. Our ongoing and robust policing plans within the Jewish communities will endure, and the public can expect to see continued visibility with officers providing engagement and security."
"If you see anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then report it to police online at gov.uk/ACT or call police in confidence on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999."
