Two Iranian Men Convicted in UK Court for Spying on Farsi-Language Media Journalists
Summary
Two Iranian men were convicted in a UK court for spying on journalists working for Farsi-language media outlets in London. Prosecutors said the pair gathered surveillance on critics of the Iranian regime and were prepared for serious violent attacks.
Key Points
- A UK court convicted Mostafa Sepahvand and Farhad Javadi Manesh of spying on journalists and assisting a foreign intelligence service.
- The jury at Woolwich Crown Court acquitted a third defendant, Shapur Khalehali Khani Nouri.
- Prosecutors said the men targeted Iran International journalists Motjaba Pormohsen and Kambiz Hosseini, along with Jonathan Turner.
- Authorities said the defendants used photos, videos, online research, and digital tools including ChatGPT to track their targets.
