Austrian man on trial for spying on Iranian TV channel in UK to help terrorists

Magomed-Husejn Dovtaev, a 31-year-old Austrian man originally from Chechnya, is currently facing trial over accusations of engaging in “hostile reconnaissance” of the Iran International TV station in London. The prosecution alleges that he attempted to covertly film security arrangements outside the station’s headquarters in Chiswick Business Park in February. The TV station came under scrutiny after Iran’s government criticized its coverage of protests in the aftermath of Mahsa Amini’s death in custody. Subsequently, Iran’s minister of intelligence labeled the channel a terrorist organization, making its employees potential targets for violent reprisals. Dovtaev was reportedly questioned by security guards at the company’s premises but claimed to be in the area to meet a friend. However, he was later arrested by counterterrorism police after being observed filming the building on his mobile phone, just hours after arriving in the country from Austria. While the prosecution asserts that Dovtaev was involved in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities at the TV station, they clarify that he is not accused of planning or participating in an actual attack. Prosecutors argue that he traveled to the UK to gather information about the security arrangements surrounding Iran International, emphasizing the significance of such details to potential attackers. Evidence presented includes videos saved on Dovtaev’s phone, showing the building on previous occasions. The prosecution contends that these actions were part of a series of similar trips by unidentified individuals. Nicholas de la Poer KC, the prosecutor, stated, “The prosecution’s case is that he was carrying out hostile reconnaissance… [and] went to the Chiswick Business Park for the purpose of gathering information about the security arrangements around Iran International.” He emphasized the genuine interest in the building’s security for those who might contemplate reprisals against the TV channel. The trial, set to conclude next week, continues at the Old Bailey.