Trial Begins for Three Iranian Citizens Accused of Financing Terrorism in Denmark

The first hearing in the trial of three Iranian Arab citizens accused of supporting terrorism in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, has begun. They were among the leaders of the “Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz” and had been accused of spying for Saudi Arabia.

The trial examining the case of three Iranian Arab citizens in Denmark was held on Thursday, April 29 (Ordibehesht 9) in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark.

The French news agency reported on the court hearing of these three Iranian citizens and announced the request for their acquittal by their defense lawyer. These three individuals are among the leaders of the “Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz” (Liberatory Arab Movement of Ahvaz).

There are two main charges in the case of these three individuals: first, support and financial backing of terrorist activities, and second, espionage and cooperation with Saudi Arabian intelligence organization.

If the charges against these individuals are confirmed, they face imprisonment of up to 12 years. These three individuals, aged between 39 and 50, have been in detention since February 2020.

The headquarters of the “Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz” is located in two countries, Denmark and the Netherlands. The Islamic Republic considers this group to be a terrorist organization.

Defense Lawyer’s Arguments

One of the three defendants in the terrorism financing case holds Danish citizenship. His trial has begun along with two other individuals. It is not yet clear when the court will issue its ruling.

The prosecution issued an indictment against these individuals approximately two weeks ago for financing terrorism. Gert Diern, the lawyer of one of the defendants in this case, told a reporter from the French news agency:

“According to his client’s belief, what they have been accused of doing was legitimate resistance against an oppressive regime.” The defense lawyer for this defendant has requested the acquittal of his client while departing from this matter.

Receipt of Money from Saudi Arabia

One of the accusations against these individuals was receiving money from Saudi Arabia. Gert Diern, the lawyer of one of the defendants in this case, told a reporter from the aforementioned news agency that these individuals did not deny receiving money.

Diern stated: “They do not deny receiving money from multiple financial sources, including from Saudi Arabia. They used this money to support the aforementioned movement as well as their own political activities.”

Gert Diern further added that his client, the oldest person in this case, became a refugee in Denmark in 2006.

Based on the version of the indictment issued for these individuals, it is stated that they have so far received 30 million Danish crowns. This amount equals four million euros.

It is stated that the financial assistance received by the leaders of the “Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz” was placed at their disposal through bank accounts in Austria and the United Arab Emirates.

Furthermore, these three individuals have been accused of cooperating with Saudi Arabian intelligence between 2012 and 2020 and engaged in espionage regarding the activities of Iranian individuals and organizations in Denmark.

Support and backing of the activities of “Jeish al-Adl” is another charge that has been brought against these three individuals.

Failed Attack on Danish Soil

One of these three individuals was the target of a failed attack on Danish soil in 2018. It is suspected that the responsibility for that attack lay with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

It is stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out this attack in response to an attack on a military parade of its forces in September 2018. During the attack on the military parade in Ahvaz, 24 people were killed.

The Islamic Republic of Iran formally rejects any involvement in the failed attack on this member of the “Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz.” This is despite the fact that a court in Denmark sentenced an Iranian-Norwegian citizen to seven years in prison in connection with this matter.

Gert Diern, the defense lawyer for one of the defendants in this case, said about the aforementioned court: “This is the first time in Denmark that within the framework of anti-terrorism law, the question of the difference between a terrorist and a freedom fighter is being raised.”

Source: DW