Three Iranian men go on trial in London over spy plot

Three Iranian nationals living in London went on trial at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, UPI reported. The men are accused of spying for Iran and threatening to harm London-based Iranian-British journalists, according to UPI. [1]

Prosecutors named the defendants as 41-year-old Mostafa Sepahvand, 46-year-old Farhad Manesh, and 57-year-old Shapoor Nori, UPI reported. According to the prosecution, Mostafa Sepahvand planned to carry out an attack, while Farhad Manesh and Shapoor Nori were tasked with providing surveillance. [1]

Mostafa Sepahvand did not deny his involvement in the scheme, UPI reported. However, he claimed that he acted out of fear of retaliation if he refused to comply, according to UPI. Prosecutors described his defense as an entirely bogus claim, alleging instead that his motives were financial gain and the removal of a prior criminal conviction. [1]

The trial opens in London, which serves as the political capital and financial center of the United Kingdom, Grokipedia notes. [4]