Two men charged over alleged Manchester plot

Two Iranian men have been charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts over an alleged plot targeting Manchester’s Jewish community around Yom Kippur, Counter Terrorism Policing said. Salam Ahmadyan and Rahman Salehi remain accused, not convicted; the allegations have not been tested in court. Police said the men were arrested in Manchester on September 20, shortly before Yom Kippur, and charged on October 2 under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. They have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 3. The evidence provided does not establish the outcome of that scheduled hearing. According to the charge particulars reported by police, the alleged preparations included using encrypted applications to communicate about obtaining components and instructions for making an improvised explosive device. The men are also accused of researching potential targets online, acquiring images, plans and maps, and conducting reconnaissance of possible locations. Police said the charges allege contact with an overseas third party who may be in Iran. These details describe allegations, not findings of fact.