Greek national Ioannis Aidinidis pleaded not guilty Friday in a London court to an allegation of surveillance for a foreign intelligence service, Reuters reported, in a case involving an Iran International journalist.
Reuters said the May charge was brought under Britain’s National Security Act and that Aidinidis was remanded in custody pending trial. At Aidinidis’ first court appearance, prosecutors alleged that he made two trips to Britain, in April and May, to watch an Iran International journalist. The London-based broadcaster is critical of Iran’s government. The trial is scheduled for May 2027.
Police said they believed the activity was being carried out for Iran, Reuters reported. Reuters said Iranian officials had repeatedly rejected claims linking Iran to attacks or planned operations in Britain. Reuters identified Aidinidis as 46, born in Georgia and living in Munich, Germany, when he was arrested.
