Golders Green memorial fire: Man pleads guilty to arson
Ali Fallahi admitted to setting fire to a photograph near a memorial wall, blaming an exiled Iranian figure for his cousin's death.
Incident → evidence → outcomeAli Fallahi, 46, from Ilford, east London, pleaded guilty to arson on 27 April in Golders Green. The court heard that Fallahi attempted to burn a photograph of Reza Pahlavi, the former Crown Prince of Iran, near a memorial wall. Fallahi blamed Pahlavi for the death of his cousin during anti-government protests in Iran.
The fire occurred near a cabinet established as a tribute to protesters killed in Iran. The Miga Rally community group, which set up the memorial, stated that the flames were spotted and quickly extinguished, and did not damage the wall itself. Counter-terrorism police investigated the incident, which took place in an area with a large Jewish population.
No Wider Political Motivation Found
Judge Lana Wood stated that there was no wider political motivation or hate element in the offence. Reading from a summary of Fallahi's position, the judge noted his anger towards Reza Pahlavi, who lives in the US as a dissident. Fallahi felt Pahlavi was being brave in calling for protests from a safe country while his cousin had died.
The prosecution alleged that Fallahi intended to damage the cabinet and the photograph, and was reckless as to whether his actions would damage the wider memorial. A Newton hearing was scheduled for 27 November to establish Fallahi's intentions.
Sentencing Adjourned
Fallahi's sentencing hearing at Harrow Crown Court was adjourned after the defendant requested a change of solicitor. He was released on bail. The court heard there was no information to contradict Fallahi's stated motivation for the attack.
Questions this report answers
01What happened in Golders Green?
Ali Fallahi pleaded guilty to arson after setting fire to a photograph near a memorial wall in Golders Green on 27 April. He blamed exiled Iranian figure Reza Pahlavi for his cousin's death.
02Was the memorial wall damaged?
The flames from the fire did not spread to the memorial wall itself. The Miga Rally community group, which established the tribute, confirmed the fire was spotted and quickly extinguished.
03What was the motivation for the arson?
Ali Fallahi stated he was angry with Reza Pahlavi and blamed him for his cousin's death during protests in Iran. Judge Lana Wood found no wider political motivation or hate element in the offence.
04What happens next with the court case?
Ali Fallahi's sentencing hearing at Harrow Crown Court has been adjourned. He was released on bail, and a Newton hearing was scheduled to establish his intentions.
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