Greek National Charged With Assisting Intelligence Service Linked to Iran

A Greek national has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service linked to Iran. Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, was charged on Friday under the National Security Act after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London. The Metropolitan Police said the allegations relate to the targeting of a UK-based journalist working for Iran International.

Aidinidis, who lives in Munich, Germany, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday. He has been in custody since his arrest in West Sussex on 16 May.

Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the case may cause concern for people in the UK, particularly those working in Persian-language media. She added that the force is providing advice and security support to a number of organisations and individuals, including the specific individual and organisation linked to this investigation.

Police said there was not believed to be a wider threat to the public.

April, three people were charged over an attempted arson attack on the offices of Iran International in north-west London. An Islamist group with possible links to Iran claimed responsibility for the attack, though the claim has not been substantiated.

In a statement last month, Iran International said it had been subject to a campaign of transnational intimidation aimed at silencing independent journalism.