Court hears alleged Manchester synagogue bombing plot case against two men
Prosecutors allege that two Iranian men carried out reconnaissance of Manchester Jewish community sites and received instructions from a third party to prepare an explosive device. The men deny no allegations in the supplied material and were remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on October 23.
Two Iranian men have appeared in court accused of preparing a terrorist attack against Manchester’s Jewish community, including by identifying a synagogue as a potential target. Rahman Salehi, 34, from Salford, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, were charged on Friday with preparing to commit an act of terrorism or assisting another person to do so. They appeared at Westminster magistrates court on Saturday morning.
Prosecutors alleged that the men conducted “hostile reconnaissance” in Manchester’s Jewish community and identified potential targets including the Jewish Museum and Heaton Park synagogue. The synagogue had previously been the site of a fatal terrorist attack, according to the report. The prosecution also alleged that the pair were in contact with a third person, believed to be operating from Iran, who directed and coordinated the planned attack and sent instructions on making an explosive device.
The men are accused of obtaining a document about making a powder, chlorine and car-brake-fluid bomb, as well as video material concerning the manufacture or assembly of an improvised explosive device. They are also accused of acquiring liquids, components and equipment for such a device. Further allegations concern online research into possible targets and the acquisition of images, plans and maps.
The men were arrested on September 20, shortly before Yom Kippur, according to the prosecution account. Salehi is alleged to have arrived in the UK in 2020 and received leave to remain in 2023. Ahmadyan arrived in 2023 and has an outstanding asylum claim, the court heard.
District Judge Nina Tempia remanded both men in custody. They are due to appear at the Old Bailey on October 23.
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