Two Men Deny Iran-Linked London Surveillance Charges

Nematollah Shahsavani, 41, a dual Iranian-British national, and Alireza Farasati, 22, an Iranian national, appeared at London's Old Bailey on October 9, 2026 and pleaded not guilty to a single charge under the National Security Act. Prosecutors allege they gathered information and undertook reconnaissance in July and August 2025. Alleged targets included the Israeli Embassy and consulate in London and Bevis Marks Synagogue. Judge Bobbie Cheema-Grubb said one alleged target was an unnamed individual of intelligence interest to Iran. The defendants remain in custody. CONTESTED: Some sources list additional alleged targets including a Jewish community centre, a college, the Community Security Trust, and a woman of interest. The trial date is reported as April; some sources specify April 2027. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for February.