A Greek citizen living in Germany has been charged in the UK over an alleged Iran-linked case involving the targeting of a journalist working for Iran International, British police said on Friday.
Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, who resides in Munich, was arrested in West Sussex on May 16 by detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London, with support from Counter Terrorism Policing South East.
Police said the case relates to a UK-based journalist at Iran International, the London-based Persian-language television station that is critical of Tehran’s government.
Greek citizen charged under the UK’s National Security Act
Aidinidis has been charged under Britain’s National Security Act in connection with allegations of assisting a foreign intelligence service. Authorities said the foreign intelligence service is believed to be linked to Iran.
According to police, Aidinidis was arrested under Section 27 of the National Security Act 2023 and taken to a London police station. Warrants of further detention were obtained from Westminster Magistrates’ Court, extending his detention while investigators consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service before charges were authorized.
He is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, May 29.
Police say there is no wider threat to the public
The Metropolitan Police said officers do not believe there is any wider threat to the public in connection with the case.
“We know this may cause concern for many people here in the UK, and particularly those working in Persian-language media,” said Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Flanagan said police continue to work closely with organizations and individuals to provide safety and security advice. She added that this includes the specific person and organization linked to the investigation.
Police also said Counter Terrorism Policing continues to engage with Persian-language media outlets and other organizations in Britain over threats projected toward the UK from Iran.
Security concerns persist around Iran International in UK
The case comes amid continuing security concerns around Iran International and its staff in Britain. Iran International, a Persian-language television network critical of Iran’s government, has previously reported threats and intimidation against its journalists.
British authorities have also intensified scrutiny of suspected Iranian intelligence activity in the UK in recent years, including alleged plots targeting dissidents, journalists, and media organizations. In April, three people were charged over an attempted arson attack on premises linked to Iran International in northwest London.
British police have previously said they were examining whether there were Iranian links to that incident, as well as to a series of arson attacks on Jewish sites in London. A pro-Iranian group called Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya, also known as HAYI, had claimed responsibility for most of the incidents.
