A 46-year-old Greek national has pleaded not guilty in a London court to allegedly conducting surveillance on a journalist working for an Iranian opposition television station on behalf of a foreign intelligence service.
Ioannis Aidinidis appeared in court on Friday, November 6, where he denied the charges brought against him under Britain’s National Security Act.
Aidinidis, who was born in Georgia and was living in Munich, Germany, when he was arrested, was charged in May. He has been remanded in custody ahead of a trial scheduled for May 2027.
Prosecutors allege that Aidinidis travelled to the United Kingdom twice, in April and May, to conduct surveillance on a journalist employed by London-based broadcaster Iran International, which is critical of the Iranian government.
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British police have previously said they believe his alleged activities were carried out on behalf of Iran.
The case comes amid heightened concerns in Britain over suspected foreign intelligence operations and threats against individuals linked to Iranian opposition movements.
Iran has repeatedly denied involvement in attacks and alleged plots on British soil.
Aidinidis remains in custody as he awaits trial. The allegations against him have not been proven in court.