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Daniel Abed Khalif (23), a former soldier who escaped from prison a year ago and shook British society, appeared in a local court on charges of terrorism and espionage. Accused of terrorism and spying for Iran, he claimed in court, "I am a patriot," asserting that he did not work for Iran but deceived Iran to help the UK.

On the 30th (local time), the British public broadcaster BBC reported on the trial held at the Ulrich Magistrates' Court (Crown Court). The Crown Court is where first-instance rulings on criminal offenses and serious crimes are made in the UK.

Khalif faces charges of terrorism and espionage. In particular, he is suspected of working as a spy for the Iranian government, which is in conflict with Western countries such as the UK and the US.

Former soldier Daniel Khalif accused of espionage in Iran [Image source=BBC capture]

Born to an Iranian mother and a Lebanese father, he enlisted in the British Army but later contacted Iranian spy authorities, receiving money in exchange for collecting sensitive military information, eventually being arrested on espionage charges. In September last year, he escaped from prison by tying himself under a food delivery vehicle, causing an emergency not only for the police and military authorities but also for the British Prime Minister's Office. However, his movie-like escape ended in failure after just three days.

On this day, Khalif claimed in court that he was a 'double agent.' He argued that his purpose was "to contact a foreign enemy (Iran), provide false information, and build relationships with them." He explained, "I wanted to receive and expose information about Iranian spies operating inside the UK."

He also described his childhood. Raised in a strict immigrant family, he said he wanted to "leave home" when he turned 16 and enlisted in the military. He wanted to prove he was an "undeniable patriot," but due to his Iranian background, he was told by his superior that he "could not serve as an intelligence agent."

It is said that after passing information to Iran, he received cash in an envelope. Khalif claims that the information handed over to Iranian spies at the time was a "fake" intended to build trust.
[Image source=BBC capture]

Afterward, he said, "I wanted to show that the British Army's policy was wrong," and "I came to believe that my background could be used to promote national security interests," claiming he contacted Iranian intelligence authorities through social networking services (SNS) such as Facebook and acted as a double agent.

He also appealed to the jury, saying, "I still remain loyal to my country and love my country," but "(the British Army's intelligence recruitment policy) is fundamentally wrong and flawed."

Meanwhile, Khalif is accused of causing confusion by installing fake bombs in the barracks where he was assigned during his training in the British Army. He is also charged with attempting to leak the list of British special forces operating overseas. However, Khalif firmly denied all charges against him in court. BBC added that the trial is expected to continue.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.