Two men charged over alleged plot targeting Manchester Jewish community
Two Iranian nationals have been charged with terrorism offences over an alleged plot targeting Manchester’s Jewish community, BBC News reports. Police allege they researched locations, acquired materials for a chlorine device and received instructions from an overseas contact; the claims have not been tested in court.
Two Iranian nationals have been charged with terrorism offences over an alleged plot targeting Manchester’s Jewish community, according to the BBC. Rahman Salehi, 35, of Salford, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, are accused of preparing to commit or assist an act of terrorism on or before 20 September. They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Counter Terrorism Police allege that the men were in contact with an overseas third party, possibly in Iran. Police also allege that they obtained instructions to make a chlorine bomb, acquired liquids and equipment, researched potential targets and conducted reconnaissance. The men were arrested in Manchester’s Northern Quarter on the eve of Yom Kippur, the Jewish calendar’s holiest day.
Searches were carried out at addresses in Liverpool and Salford. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the charges would be deeply distressing for Jewish communities, particularly in Manchester, which was marking one year since the Heaton Park Synagogue attack. She said the case also highlighted threats from terrorists and foreign state actors.
Greater Manchester Police Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said policing plans in Jewish communities would continue, with visible officers providing security and engagement. The suspects are understood to have arrived in the UK by small boat in 2020 and 2023. One was granted asylum and the other has an active asylum claim.
The allegations have not been tested in court.
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