Two Iranian men, Rahman Salehi, 35, and Salam Ahmadian, 36, have been charged with planning a terrorist attack on the Jewish community in Manchester. They were arrested on September 20 in the city's Northern Quarter on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The men are accused of preparing to commit a terrorist act or assisting another person to commit a terrorist act.
According to the police, the two men were in contact with a third party abroad, possibly in Iran, in connection with the alleged plot. They are accused of receiving instructions to make a chlorine bomb, obtaining liquids, components, and equipment needed for such a bomb, and scouting potential targets. The men arrived in Britain on a small boat in 2020 and 2023, respectively, with one being granted asylum and the other having a pending asylum claim.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the charges were "extremely disturbing" for the Jewish community in Manchester, which is still reeling from the anniversary of last year's Heaton Park synagogue attack. She added that the incident was a stark reminder of the threats faced by the country from both terrorists and foreign actors. The government has vowed to continue its efforts to protect Jewish communities and tackle anti-Semitism.
The charges come amid a significant increase in anti-Semitic incidents in Britain since the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 and the subsequent war on Gaza. There have been several attacks on Jewish sites in London this year. Police have conducted searches at addresses in Liverpool and Salford as part of the investigation.
The men are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday. Detective Chief Superintendent Terry Woods said that the police would continue to provide a strong and ongoing security presence within Jewish communities. The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to ensure the safety of the community.
The incident has raised concerns about the threat of terrorism in Britain, particularly in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The government has faced criticism for its handling of anti-Semitic incidents and its response to the conflict. The police have increased their presence in Jewish communities and are working to prevent further incidents.
The case highlights the complexities of tackling terrorism and extremism in Britain, particularly in the context of international conflicts. The government has vowed to take a robust approach to tackling terrorism and to work with international partners to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.
Key points
- Two Iranian men charged with planning terrorist attack on Jewish community in Manchester
- Incident highlights concerns about anti-Semitism and terrorism in Britain
- Government vows to protect Jewish communities and tackle extremism
