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March 19, 2025 – USA/Iran –
In a chilling revelation of transnational repression, a U.S. federal jury in March 2025 convicted two men—Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov—of plotting to assassinate Iranian-American journalist and human rights activist Masih Alinejad. The case uncovered a murder-for-hire scheme allegedly orchestrated by the Iranian government, which placed a $500,000 bounty on Alinejad’s head in retaliation for her outspoken criticism of the regime.
The attempted assassination dates back to 2022, when Khalid Mehdiyev, a would-be hitman, was arrested near Alinejad’s Brooklyn residence. He was found in possession of an AK-47-style rifle, 66 rounds of ammunition, and a ski mask. Authorities said Mehdiyev had been surveilling Alinejad’s home for days before his arrest. His cooperation with investigators led to the capture and conviction of Amirov and Omarov, who acted as intermediaries and facilitators of the plot.
This incident is not the first attempt by Iranian operatives to silence Alinejad. In 2021, U.S. authorities foiled a kidnapping plan that involved luring her to Venezuela and abducting her back to Iran. Alinejad, who has long advocated against Iran’s mandatory hijab laws and broader human rights abuses, has become a high-profile target for the regime, which has branded her a threat to national security.
During the trial, prosecutors painted a clear picture of a state-sponsored operation aimed at silencing dissent beyond its borders. They argued that the plot was not an isolated act but part of a broader pattern of intimidation and violence against journalists and activists who speak out against authoritarian regimes.
The jury deliberated for just over three hours before delivering guilty verdicts. Afterward, Alinejad responded with a mix of relief and defiance. “Today is not just about my survival,” she said. “It is about the humiliation of a regime that thinks it can silence critics with bullets.”
The case underscores the increasing global threat against journalists and the critical need for international cooperation in protecting free speech and press freedom. Alinejad’s story serves as a stark reminder that for some journalists, telling the truth comes with a life-threatening cost.
Reference –
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg80kgyjl0o
https://apnews.com/article/iran-murder-plot-trial-masih-alinejad-6f6d758c6b0d4c674805783293a94801
