Greek national to face trial for spying on Iranian journalist in UK
A Greek national is to go on trial accused of spying on a journalist working for an Iranian opposition television station. Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, who was born in Georgia and lived in Munich, was charged in May under Britain's National Security Act. He appeared at the Old Bailey in London and pleaded not guilty via video link from Belmarsh Prison. He was told through a Russian interpreter that he…
A Greek man, Ioannis Aidinidis, aged 46, faces trial for allegedly spying on an Iranian journalist working for Iran International, an opposition television station based in London. Born in Georgia and residing in Munich, Aidinidis was charged in May under Britain's National Security Act. At his initial appearance at the Old Bailey in London, he pleaded not guilty via video link from Belmarsh Prison, where he is currently held.
A Russian interpreter translated the proceedings for Aidinidis, who was informed that he would be held in custody pending his trial scheduled for the following May.
According to prosecutors, Aidinidis made two trips to the UK, one in April and another in May, to conduct surveillance on the journalist at Iran International. It is alleged that during both visits, he photographed and filmed addresses and number plates linked to the journalist. In his second trip, prosecutors claim Aidinidis installed a covert camera concealed in a sock, which was capable of transmitting data to unknown entities abroad.
Police believe Aidinidis' actions were carried out on behalf of Iran. Tehran has consistently denied any involvement in attacks or plots within Britain. Iran International, the London-based channel, strives to provide unbiased coverage of Iran and has faced threats from the Iranian regime and its proxies. In early 2023, the channel's studios in west London received round-the-clock protection from the Met Police due to death threats against its journalists.
Some journalists were sent to the United States, while others were instructed to work remotely to ensure their safety.
Several other incidents have targeted Iran International and its journalists. Magomed-Husejn Dovtaev, an Austrian citizen originally from Chechnya, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison for collecting information potentially used in a terrorist attack on the channel. Dovtaev flew from Vienna to London and secretly filmed material on his phone to identify security vulnerabilities.
In July, two Romanians were sentenced to a combined 20 years in prison for stabbing Iran International journalist Pouria Zeraati in a plot orchestrated by the Iranian regime. Additionally, three individuals admitted involvement in an arson attack on Iran International's offices in northwest London. Nathan Dunn, 19, pleaded guilty to arson, while a 17-year-old boy admitted a lesser charge of arson but will stand trial on February 1, 2027.
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