Trial date set for Iranian men accused of identifying Manchester synagogue for bomb plot
The two men have appeared via video link at a hearing at the Old Bailey
A trial date has been set for two Iranian men who allegedly identified a Manchester synagogue previously subjected to a fatal terrorist attack as a target for a homemade bomb plot against the Jewish community.
Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, are accused of conducting hostile reconnaissance at Heaton Park Synagogue in north Manchester, subject to a fatal terrorist attack last year, along with the Jewish Museum in Cheetham Hill.
The duo appeared via video link at a hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday and spoke to confirm their names and dates of birth.
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb remanded the pair in custody and set a trial date of June 15 2027 at Manchester Crown Court with a time-estimate of five weeks, along with a preparatory hearing on April 16 2027.
Ahmadyan and Salehi, who arrived illegally in the UK on small boats, were arrested in Manchester on September 20 and charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts.
It is alleged they were in contact with an Iranian national who directed and co-ordinated the planned attack, with the third party most likely operating within Iran.
The men are accused of getting instructions to make a chlorine bomb and acquiring liquids, components and equipment required in order to manufacture or assemble an improvised explosive device.
They are also accused of using the internet to identify and research potential targets, acquiring images, plans and maps of potential targets and conducting reconnaissance of potential locations for attack.
Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed when Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, drove into the gates of Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue on October 2 last year, and began attacking with a knife while wearing a fake suicide belt.