Greek national charged with assisting 'Iran spies'

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Greek national charged with assisting 'Iran spies'20 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleJessica RawnsleyGetty ImagesA 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 (CTP) London. The Met said Aidinidis is accused of helping an intelligence service "believed to be Iran" by "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. "We know this may cause concern for many people here in the UK, and particularly those working in Persian-language media," Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, said.

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She added that the force was 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. In 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 - Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya - claimed responsibility for the attack. 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".

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.