A Failed Assassination Plot Shakes the U. S.
In a shocking turn of events, two individuals found themselves behind bars after a failed attempt to kill an Iranian dissident living in the United States.
The Convicted
- Rafat Amirov (46)
- Polad Omarov (41)
Both were sentenced to 25 years in prison each in a New York courtroom before Judge Colleen McMahon.
The Target: Masih Alinejad
The plot, which unfolded in 2022, targeted Masih Alinejad, a vocal critic of the Iranian government and its policies towards women. Alinejad, who fled Iran in 2009, has been a prominent figure in promoting videos of women defying Iran's head-covering laws.
The Charges
The court found Amirov and Omarov guilty of:
- Attempted murder
- Money laundering
- Conspiracy
The Judge's Stance
Judge McMahon called the crime "terrible" and highlighted its impact on Alinejad's life. Alinejad herself addressed the court, expressing how the plot had disrupted her life but failed to break her spirit.
The Sentences
The sentences were:
- Less than the 55 years prosecutors sought
- More than the 10 to 13 years the defense recommended
The Alleged Paymaster
Prosecutors alleged that Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps paid the two men $500,000 for the failed assassination attempt. Iran has denied any involvement, calling the allegations baseless.
A Third Accomplice
A third man, Khalid Mehdiyev, was also charged in the plot and pleaded guilty to:
- Attempted murder
- Illegal possession of a firearm
Mehdiyev testified against Amirov and Omarov, revealing that he tried to kill Alinejad in coordination with the two men. He was arrested after being found staking out Alinejad's home with an AK-47 and a ski mask.
Broader Implications
The case raises serious questions about the reach of authoritarian governments and their attempts to silence dissenters, even on foreign soil. It also highlights the bravery of individuals like Alinejad, who continue to speak out despite the risks.
