Two Iranian nationals charged in connection with an alleged plot against the Jewish community in Manchester have been remanded in custody after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Rahman Salehi, 34, and Salam Ahmadyan, 36, did not enter pleas at the hearing on Saturday. Their next hearing is scheduled at the Old Bailey on 23 October. The appearance is the first reported court stage after charges were authorised on 2 October.
Each man is charged under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts. A charge is not a finding of guilt, and the allegations will have to be tested in criminal proceedings.
What the court was told
A prosecutor said the case concerns an alleged plan to use a homemade explosive device against the Jewish community in northern England. The prosecution alleges that the men were in contact with a third party believed to be an Iranian national operating from Iran, who was said to have directed and coordinated alleged planning and given instructions about making a device.
The prosecution further alleged that potential Jewish targets in Manchester had been subject to hostile surveillance. During the hearing, the Manchester Jewish Museum and Heaton Park synagogue were named as locations said to have been among those potential targets. Those statements are allegations made in court, rather than findings that an attack was planned against either site.
The charge particulars released when the men were charged allege communications through encrypted applications, research into possible targets and reconnaissance of locations. They also allege efforts to obtain materials and instructions connected with an improvised explosive device. The defendants have not yet indicated pleas.
From arrest to the first hearing
Salehi and Ahmadyan were arrested in Manchester on 20 September and were later taken to a police station in London. Investigators obtained warrants allowing their detention to continue while the inquiry progressed. Searches were carried out at addresses in Liverpool and Salford.
Prosecutors authorised the charges on 2 October. The initial announcement said the men would appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court the following day; Saturday’s hearing has now established that they will remain in custody pending the Old Bailey hearing later this month.
At this stage, remand is a procedural decision about custody while the case moves through the courts. It does not decide whether either defendant committed the offences alleged. The later hearing is expected to deal with the next steps in the case, rather than determine guilt or innocence.
Reassurance alongside an active investigation
Police said they assessed that there was no ongoing threat to the public in connection with this matter. That assessment accompanied the charging announcement and should be read specifically in relation to this investigation; it does not remove the need for authorities to continue their wider protective work.
The allegation has caused concern because it concerns the safety of a religious community and emerged during the Jewish High Holy Day period. Police said they were working with local colleagues, community leaders and security partners, and that protective-security advice and support would continue for areas with Jewish communities.
Members of the public who have an immediate concern should contact emergency services. Reports of suspicious activity should be made through the appropriate police channels, rather than through social media or informal speculation.
Why the court development matters
The fresh development is procedural but material. The earlier charging announcement set out allegations and a planned magistrates’ court appearance. The hearing has now taken place, no pleas have been entered, and a date has been set for the case to continue at the Old Bailey.
Further reporting will need to distinguish clearly between the prosecution case, police assessments and matters established by a court. For now, the central facts are that two defendants face serious terrorism-preparation charges, remain in custody, and are due back before a judge on 23 October.
