Two Men Convicted in Iranian-Backed Plot to Kill U.S. Journalist Masih Alinejad
Two men have been convicted in a murder-for-hire plot backed by the Iranian government, targeting well-known Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad in New York. The verdict, delivered by a federal grand jury in New York City, marks a significant moment in holding the Iranian regime accountable for attempts to silence critics on U.S. soil, according to prosecutors.
Who Are the Convicted Men?
Rafat Amirov (46) and Polad Omarov (40) were found guilty on five serious charges, including:
- Murder-for-hire
- Conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering
- Attempted murder in aid of racketeering
- Carrying a firearm during attempted murder
Both men have ties to the Russian mob in New York City, as outlined in the indictment. They were accused of working on behalf of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, which allegedly hired them to kill Alinejad for $500,000.
Masih Alinejad Reacts: “They Failed. I Am Still Here.”
Following the verdict, Masih Alinejad released a statement saying:
Alinejad has been a vocal critic of the Iranian government, particularly its treatment of women and human rights abuses. Her activism includes a social media campaign encouraging Iranian women to post photos without wearing hijabs, defying state laws.
A Plot That Started With a Kidnapping Attempt
This plot wasn’t the first time Iran tried to target Alinejad. In 2021, a kidnapping attempt linked to Iranian operatives was foiled. The current murder-for-hire plan was a follow-up operation, with Amirov and Omarov allegedly recruiting another member of their crime group, Khalid Mehdiyev, to carry out the killing.
Mehdiyev, who lived in Yonkers, New York, about 25 miles from Brooklyn, was already under FBI surveillance. According to court documents:
- He visited Alinejad’s home
- Tried to open the front door (captured on security footage)
- Had been paid $30,000 by the defendants
- Purchased a Norinco AK-47 replica, 66 rounds of ammo, and had $1,100 in cash
On July 28, 2022, just before he claimed he was ready to act, Mehdiyev was arrested in a traffic stop near Alinejad’s home.
What’s Next for the Defendants?
Both Amirov and Omarov face up to life in prison. Their sentencing is scheduled for September 27, as per the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
While Amirov’s legal team has not commented, Omarov’s lawyer said an appeal is planned:
Mehdiyev, who cooperated with the authorities, pleaded guilty to lesser charges and testified during the trial.
Officials Condemn Iran’s Actions
The FBI emphasized its commitment to protecting U.S. citizens, with Acting FBI Counterintelligence Director Roman Rozhavsky stating:
Senator Marco Rubio also responded, saying on X (formerly Twitter):
Who Is Masih Alinejad?
Alinejad is a prominent Iranian-American journalist who came to the U.S. after being forced to leave Iran due to her reporting on government corruption and election fraud in 2009. She previously worked with Voice of America, a U.S.-funded media organization, and is known for her outspoken support of women’s rights in Iran.
The conviction of Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov highlights the danger faced by dissidents, even in countries like the U.S., far from their country of origin. It also reflects growing concern over foreign governments using criminal networks to carry out attacks on American soil. While Alinejad remains safe, this case is a chilling reminder of the lengths some regimes will go to silence critics.