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British soldier accused of spying British soldier accused of spying
(about 2 hours later)
A British soldier has appeared in court accused of divulging secret information which would be "useful to the enemy". A British soldier has been charged with passing on secret information "to the enemy", believed to be Iran.
Daniel James, 44, confirmed only his name, before the rest of the hearing at London's City of Westminster Magistrates' Court was held in secret. Daniel James, 44, confirmed only his name, before the rest of the hearing at a magistrates' court in London on Wednesday was held in secret.
But newspapers say he is a corporal who acts as an interpreter for a senior general working in Afghanistan. But he was later revealed to be a corporal who acted as an interpreter for the Nato commander in Afghanistan.
He is reportedly accused of passing information to Iran. The MoD and prosecutors refused to comment. He has been charged under the Official Secrets Act. The MoD and the Crown prosecutors refused to comment.
Mr James appeared in court charged under the Official Secrets Act and confirmed his name and date of birth before the charge was read to him. Mr James appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court and confirmed his name and date of birth before the charge was read to him.
There is a possible prejudice to national security Judge Timothy WorkmanThere is a possible prejudice to national security Judge Timothy Workman
It alleges that on 2 November this year, for a purpose prejudicial to the safety of the state, he "communicated to another person information calculated to be directly or indirectly useful to the enemy".It alleges that on 2 November this year, for a purpose prejudicial to the safety of the state, he "communicated to another person information calculated to be directly or indirectly useful to the enemy".
The charge is under section one (1) (C), of the Official Secrets Act 1911.The charge is under section one (1) (C), of the Official Secrets Act 1911.
Senior District Judge Timothy Workman told reporters: "I have been given certain information which leads me to the conclusion that it will be necessary to hear certain facts in camera as there is a possible prejudice to national security."Senior District Judge Timothy Workman told reporters: "I have been given certain information which leads me to the conclusion that it will be necessary to hear certain facts in camera as there is a possible prejudice to national security."
General David Richards heads Nato forces
Mr James, who is reported to be from the Brighton area, was remanded in custody until December 27. There was no application for bail.Mr James, who is reported to be from the Brighton area, was remanded in custody until December 27. There was no application for bail.
The defence editor of the Times, Michael Evans, said that his investigations had revealed the details of Mr James's exact position, and Iran was the most likely country allegedly involved. The defence editor of the Times, Michael Evans, said that his investigations had revealed the details of Mr James's exact role as interpreter for General David Richards, and Iran was the most likely country allegedly involved.
The language Mr James speaks is Dari, one of the two main languages of Afghanistan, and he is of Iranian descent, said BBC correspondent Alastair Leithead.The language Mr James speaks is Dari, one of the two main languages of Afghanistan, and he is of Iranian descent, said BBC correspondent Alastair Leithead.
The Ministry of Defence, the Crown Prosecution Service and Scotland Yard all refused to confirm the details of his identity or the allegations made in the newspapers.The Ministry of Defence, the Crown Prosecution Service and Scotland Yard all refused to confirm the details of his identity or the allegations made in the newspapers.