An Iranian diplomat who tried to bomb a Paris conference “on orders from Tehran” has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. It was the first trial of an Iranian official for suspected terrorism in Europe since Iran’s 1979 revolution.

Assadolah Assadi was found guilty of attempted terrorism after a foiled plot to bomb a rally of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) near Paris in June 2018, where a 35-strong British delegation were in attendance, including Conservative MPs Bob Blackman, Matthew Offord, and Theresa Villiers a government register of interests revealed.  Sir David Amess, another Tory MP, and Labour’s Roger Godsiff were also present according to reports.

There were also believed to be around 100,000 Iranians, and hundreds of international dignitaries, including Donald Trump’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.

Five UK MPs ‘cheated death’ after explosives smuggled into Free Iran conference in Paris

Belgian police intercepted 550g of explosives in a car in Brussels, the same type of explosive nicknamed ‘Mother of Satan’ that was used in the Manchester Area terror attack. Couple Amir Saadouni and Nasimeh Naami were arrested. Assadollah Assadi, the third counsellor at Iran’s embassy in Vienna, was believed to be the mastermind behind the plot who handed Saadouni and Naami the explosives during a meeting in a Pizza Hut in Luxembourg, two days before they were arrested.

Assadi was subsequently arrested in Germany before being transferred to Belgium for trial. French officials have said he was running an Iranian state intelligence network and was acting on orders from Tehran.

Assadi did not attend his hearings, which were held behind closed doors amid high security.

In March, he warned authorities of possible retaliation by unidentified groups if he is found guilty, according to a police document obtained by Reuters. The courtroom was heavily guarded, with armoured vehicles outside and police helicopters overhead.

Prosecution lawyer Georges-Henri said outside the court in Antwerp: “The ruling shows two things: A diplomat doesn’t have immunity for criminal acts … and the responsibility of the Iranian state in what could have been carnage.”

Mr Blackman, MP for Harrow East, spoke in 2020 about the plot, saying it could have been “the deadliest terror operation ever carried out in Europe”, if the explosion had gone off. He said: “For the first time in history, an accredited diplomat is about to face trial on terrorism charges in Europe. That he represents the government of Iran is no surprise.”

He added: “The US would undeniably have declared war on Iran – and it was only because the plot was foiled, World War Three was averted.”

Theresa Villiers, who gave a speech at the conference, said it was an ‘outrage’ that the bomb was allegedly smuggled using a diplomatic bag. She noted: ‘If the court decides that is what happened it will be shocking. I feel I’ve had a lucky escape.’

FREE COPY: Understanding the threat from Iran

Covering the threat from Iran to Israel and the West, plus the plight of the Iranian people: Read our Operation Mordecai campaign booklet online or receive a FREE copy by post.

Related Articles:

“Significant increase” in threat from Iran: New UK intelligence report confirms why Britain should ban the IRGC NOW

A new report has confirmed what CUFI has long been warning: the threat from Iran on the UK is not only real, but growing. The findings, detailed in a government-commissioned review,...

Labour’s actions have made the majority of British Jews feel less safe

Over the past year, CUFI UK has been calling out the bad practices of the UK government, particularly regarding Israel and antisemitism.Since Keir Starmer’s Labour took office in July...

“Blamed if they do, blamed if they don’t” – the return of an age-old antisemitic trope

A medieval antisemitic trope has re-emerged to weaponize the narrative, twisting Israel’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Even feeding the hungry is now grounds to vilify Israel — and history warns us...

Before lecturing Israel, Labour should get Britain’s house in order

A British government minister's recent remarks telling Israel to “get its house in order” are not only ill-judged, they are hypocritical and reveal a deeper problem within the Labour...

WATCH: CUFI Washington Summit Recap

The Lord's timing in orchestrating CUFI's 20th annual Washington Summit was perfect.The leadership of CUFI UK were pleased to join with Christians from across the United States in...