Two Men Face Court Over Manchester Terror Plot

Two men charged with terrorism offences are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday, October 3, following an investigation into an alleged plot targeting the Jewish community in Manchester. Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, from Salford, were charged on October 2 with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts. Both men were arrested in Manchester on September 20 and have been remanded in custody.

Counter Terrorism Policing said the men are accused of being in contact with an overseas third party that may be located in Iran. Police allege that the suspects received instructions to make a chlorine bomb and obtained liquids, components and equipment that could be used to assemble an improvised explosive device.

The investigation also involved claims that the men researched potential targets. Counter Terrorism Policing said they allegedly used the internet to identify locations and obtained images, plans and maps. Police also allege that reconnaissance was carried out at potential sites.

The charges are serious allegations and will now be tested through the British criminal justice system. The men are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Their appearance before Westminster Magistrates' Court on October 3 is an early stage in the legal process, and further hearings will determine how the case proceeds.

The arrests took place shortly before Yom Kippur, one of the most important days in the Jewish calendar. The timing has increased concern among Jewish communities, particularly because the investigation involves an alleged target connected to the Jewish community in Manchester.

Police have said that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public in connection with this particular investigation. Counter Terrorism Policing said the suspects had been arrested and the alleged preparations had been disrupted. Officers have nevertheless maintained visible security around Jewish communities and other locations where people may have concerns.

The case is also being investigated against a wider background of concern about antisemitic incidents in Britain. Jewish community organisations have reported increased security concerns, while police forces have worked with community representatives to provide protection during major religious occasions.

The Home Secretary has described the allegations as serious. She also referred to wider security concerns involving Iran and hostile activity in Britain. However, authorities have stressed that this particular investigation and the separate investigation involving RAF Fairford are not connected.

The police investigation involved searches of properties in Liverpool and Salford. Officers have examined communications, equipment and other evidence as part of their work. Counter-terrorism investigations can take considerable time because authorities must establish how suspects communicated, what materials they obtained and whether there were additional people involved.

The case has also raised questions about how security agencies monitor potential threats. Police have emphasised that they acted before an alleged attack could take place. Their work involved local police, counter-terrorism officers and national security partners.

For the Manchester Jewish community, the case is especially sensitive because it comes around the anniversary of the attack at Heaton Park Synagogue. Police have said that security plans around Jewish communities will remain active and that officers will maintain a visible presence where necessary.

The October 3 court hearing will provide the next formal stage in the case. The two men are expected to appear before magistrates while prosecutors continue building the evidence. Further hearings could determine whether the case is transferred to a higher court and what additional charges, if any, may follow.

The allegations therefore remain subject to the legal process. What is established in court will depend on the evidence presented by prosecutors and the response of the defendants. For now, the October 3 hearing marks an important step in an investigation that British counter-terrorism authorities say disrupted an alleged plan before it could develop into an attack.