Two men charged over alleged plot targeting Manchester Jewish community

Two Iranian men have appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged over an alleged terrorist plot targeting Manchester’s Jewish community with a homemade bomb. Rahman Salehi, 34, from Salford, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, were accused of preparing to commit an act of terrorism or assisting another person to do so on or before 20 September. Both were arrested in Manchester’s Northern Quarter on the eve of Yom Kippur.

Prosecutor Mark Luckett told the court that the defendants were accused of preparing attacks using a homemade explosive device. He said they had allegedly carried out hostile reconnaissance in Manchester’s Jewish community and identified possible targets including the Jewish Museum and Heaton Park Synagogue. The Metropolitan Police said the men were alleged to have obtained instructions for making a chlorine bomb and acquired liquids and other components for an improvised explosive device.

They were also accused of using the internet to research potential targets and obtain images, plans and maps. The court heard that the men were allegedly directed and coordinated by another Iranian individual believed most likely to be operating in Iran. Searches were conducted at addresses in Liverpool and Salford.

Both defendants arrived in the UK by small boat, the court heard. Salehi had previously claimed asylum in Germany, was granted asylum in the UK in 2023 and has leave to remain until July 2028. Ahmadyan arrived in 2023 and has an outstanding asylum claim.

They confirmed their names, dates of birth and addresses through Kurdish and Farsi interpreters. District Judge Nina Tempia remanded both men in custody until 23 October, when they are due to appear at the Old Bailey. The allegations have not been tested at trial.