Two men stand trial in Germany on charges of spying for Iran

A court in the German city of Hamburg has started proceedings against two men who are accused of espionage on behalf of Iran. The 42-year-old and the 54-year-old defendants appeared before the Hamburg Higher Regional Court where they face multiple charges related to their alleged activities.

Prosecutors claim that the men were directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to gather information on Jewish community leaders and groups that support Israel. The surveillance was reportedly intended to identify targets for possible violent actions such as murder or arson attacks.

The case details indicate that the defendants kept track of the president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany. They also monitored the president of the German-Israeli Association according to the charges.

In addition, one of the two men is charged with taking steps to carry out an arson attack against a kosher store situated in Berlin. The arrests of the suspects took place in Denmark, after which they were transferred to Germany.

Cooperation among security services from different nations provided the basis for the investigation and subsequent arrests. When the trial began, the two men chose not to address the accusations presented to them in court.

The government of Iran has responded to the case by stating that the allegations are without merit and pose a risk of escalation.