Man charged with arson attack on memorial wall in Golders Green

A man with dual British and Iranian citizenship has been charged following a suspected arson attack at a memorial site in London.

Ali Fallahi, 45, who resides in Ilford, faces an arson charge relating to a fire at the memorial wall located on Limes Avenue in Golders Green on April 27.

The blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight, prompted counter-terrorism officers to launch an investigation.

According to the charge, Fallahi allegedly set fire to a memorial cabinet belonging to the Miga Rally community organisation with the intention of destroying or damaging the property or acting recklessly regarding potential damage.

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The memorial wall serves as a tribute to thousands of demonstrators who lost their lives during the Iranian regime's violent suppression of protests in January.

A dedicated portion of the site also honours victims of the Hamas massacre on the Nova music festival in Israel on October 7, 2023.

The fire ignited at approximately 00.15am but was spotted quickly and extinguished before it could spread to the wall itself, according to Miga Rally.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed Fallahi holds both British and Iranian nationality.

The incident occurred in Golders Green, an area of north London with a significant Jewish population.

Counter-terrorism detectives are treating the fire as part of a broader pattern of incidents affecting both the Jewish community and Iranians living in London.

Commander Helen Flanagan, who leads counter-terrorism policing in the capital, said: "This charge marks another step forward in one of the investigations into the series of arson attacks targeting the Jewish community and Iranian diaspora in London."

She added: "We are determined to bring everyone involved in these incidents to justice."

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The Golders Green attack formed part of a wave of arsons at Jewish locations in the area, with authorities examining potential connections to Iran.

Two Jewish men were also stabbed during this period, leading the Government to elevate the national terrorism threat level from "substantial" to "severe".

Following the incident, Miga Rally issued a statement describing the memorial wall as "a peaceful place of remembrance, documenting lives lost and ensuring victims are not forgotten".

The community group added: "Any attempt to damage or desecrate such a site is deeply troubling and an attack on the values of remembrance, dignity and community cohesion."

A woman, 38, who had been detained in connection with the arson has been released and will face no further action from police.

Fallahi is scheduled to make his first court appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

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