Three Iranians on trial for plotting to 'eliminate' Iran International journalists on London streets
From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026 · last updated 7 October 2026.
Mojtaba Khamenei. Three London-based Iranian men have gone on trial accused of using ChatGPT to surveil dissident journalists and a pro-Israel lawyer, allegedly to lay the groundwork for violent attacks ordered by…
Mostafa Sepahvand, 41, was earmarked as the hitman who would carry out "serious violence" against journalists working for Persian broadcaster Iran International, Woolwich Crown Court heard. Farhad Javadi Manesh, 46, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 57, allegedly conducted surveillance and reconnaissance, visiting targets' addresses and using ChatGPT to research their routines, vehicles and workplaces. All three are London-based Iranians charged under the National Security Act with assisting a foreign intelligence service.
Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC told jurors that 'eliminating hostile or critical voices has effectively become a staple policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran.'
Targets included Iran International journalists Mojtaba Pourmohsen and Kambiz Hosseini, plus Jonathan Turner, a founding member of UK Lawyers for Israel.
Sepahvand allegedly told an associate in a voice note he would 'finish off' a target for £150,000 and to have a theft conviction in Iran 'fixed.'
