Three Iranian nationals living in London are on trial in Britain over accusations that they gathered intelligence to facilitate violent attacks against journalists and a prominent pro-Israel lawyer.

The defendants, ages 41, 46 and 57, face charges under the National Security Act, including assisting a foreign intelligence service. All three deny the charges.

Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones said the principal targets included journalists working for Iran International, a satellite television channel critical of Tehran, and attorney Jonathan Turner, a co-founder of UK Lawyers for Israel.

According to the prosecution, the 41-year-old defendant was expected to carry out an attack, while the other two conducted surveillance and collected photographic intelligence around the targets’ homes. Journalist Mojtaba Pourmohsen was among those monitored.

The court heard that the defendant accused of preparing to carry out the attack does not deny his involvement but maintains that he acted out of fear.

Prosecutors rejected that explanation, arguing that he participated in exchange for money and assistance in overturning a previous theft conviction in Iran.

The other two defendants are expected to argue that they did not know their activities amounted to spying for Iran.

The three men arrived in Britain between 2016 and 2022, traveling by small boats and a truck, and remained in the country as asylum seekers.

Their trial is ongoing.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)