Two Iranian nationals have been charged with terrorism offences in connection with an alleged scheme to attack the Jewish community in the Manchester area around the time of Yom Kippur, according to Counter Terrorism Policing.
Rahman Salehi, aged 35, and Salam Ahmadyan, aged 36, face accusations of preparing to carry out an act of terrorism or assisting others in committing such an act on or before 20 September in Manchester.
The two men were apprehended in Manchester's Northern Quarter district at a time when thousands of British Jews were observing services in synagogues across the country.
Both individuals are scheduled to make their first appearance before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday, where they will be formally presented with the charges against them.
The arrests represent a significant operation by counter-terrorism authorities, who have been investigating the alleged plot over a period of time. The timing of the alleged scheme, targeting the Jewish community during one of the most significant dates in the Jewish calendar, underscores the seriousness with which authorities have treated the matter.
Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar and is typically observed with prayer and fasting. The date in question fell on 23 September in 2024, making the alleged plot's timing particularly sensitive given the religious observance period.
What happens next?
The two defendants will appear before the magistrate on Saturday for their initial court hearing. At this stage, questions of bail, legal representation, and the progression of the case through the courts will be determined. The charges they face carry serious penalties under terrorism legislation in the United Kingdom.
