Daniel Khalife Trial Begins for Espionage Charges

Daniel Khalife, a 23-year-old former British soldier, is on trial for allegedly passing sensitive military information to Iranian intelligence and escaping from Wandsworth Prison by strapping himself to a food delivery truck. Prosecutors claim Khalife gathered details about elite personnel from the UK's Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS), including a list of 15 soldiers, while also maintaining contact with Iranian handlers. He reportedly offered to work for his Iranian contacts for over 25 years and attempted to meet them in Istanbul, although the plan fell through. Khalife denies all charges, including espionage and escape, asserting that his actions were a 'double bluff' to appear as a double agent. The trial highlights concerns about the potential threat Khalife posed to UK security, given his access to sensitive military systems and information. His case has sparked significant public interest, particularly regarding the implications of military personnel engaging with foreign intelligence.