A Greek national has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service in an operation targeting a UK-based journalist, with authorities believing the state involved to be Iran.
Details of the Charge
Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, a resident of Munich, Germany, was formally charged on Friday under the National Security Act. The charge follows an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, as confirmed by Scotland Yard.
The Metropolitan Police stated that the allegations relate to the targeting of a journalist working for Iran International, a Persian-language news outlet based in the United Kingdom. The force indicated that the foreign intelligence service in question is believed to be linked to Iran.
Arrest and Court Appearance
Aidinidis was arrested on 16 May in the West Sussex area by detectives from CTP London, with assistance from officers of CTP South East. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later today.
Official Response
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, addressed concerns arising from the case. “We know this may cause concern for many people here in the UK, and particularly those working in Persian-language media,” she said. “We continue to work closely with a number of organisations and individuals to provide them with advice and support around their safety and security, and this includes the specific individual and organisation linked to this investigation.” She added that anyone with safety concerns should contact their local police force for further advice and support.
Police have emphasised that there is no believed wider threat to the public from this incident.
