A Greek man has pleaded not guilty in a London court to carrying out surveillance for a foreign intelligence service on a journalist working for the London-based television station Iran International.

Ioannis Aidinidis, 46, who was born in Georgia and lives in Munich, Germany, appeared in court on Friday and denied the charge. He was charged in May under Britain's National Security Act and was remanded in custody ahead of his trial in May next year.

Prosecutors said at his first court appearance that Aidinidis had travelled to Britain twice, in April and in May, to carry out surveillance of the journalist. Iran International is a Persian-language broadcaster that is critical of Iran's government.

The alleged surveillance

Aidinidis was arrested on 16 May in the West Sussex area by detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London, supported by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing South East. He was charged on 29 May with assisting a foreign intelligence service, contrary to section 3(2) of the National Security Act 2023.

Prosecutor Daniel Ingham told Westminster Magistrates' Court at that first hearing that Aidinidis had photographed cars, houses and other addresses associated with the journalist. On the second trip, he allegedly installed a covert camera hidden in a sock in a tree, which was able to send data to unknown recipients.

Police have previously said Aidinidis's actions were believed to be on behalf of Iran. Tehran has repeatedly denied involvement in attacks or plots in Britain. The allegations remain unproven until trial, and Aidinidis is entitled to a fair trial.

Sources: Reuters; Metropolitan Police; Reuters, 29 May 2026.