Two Russian nationals have been handed lengthy prison sentences for their roles in a plot to assassinate an Iranian dissident living in the US.
Masih Alinejad, who is a prominent voice for women's rights and has long criticized the Iranian regime on social media, survived a targeted hit attempt by two men linked to the Russian mob. Khalid Mehdiyev was allegedly hired to carry out the killing, with the scheme orchestrated by Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov.
The attempted assassination took place in 2022, when Alinejad claimed she saw Mehdiyev outside her home. She reported him suspiciously speaking on his phone and quickly ran inside. Mehdiyev allegedly told investigators that he had been paid $30,000 to kill Alinejad.
However, it was later revealed that the Iranian government had secretly funded the plot at a cost of over half-a-million dollars to Amirov and Omarov, who were both found guilty on charges including murder-for-hire and attempted murder in aid of racketeering. Four Iranians, including a high-ranking official from Iran's Revolutionary Guards, were charged but are currently believed to be hiding in Iran.
At her sentencing hearing, Alinejad called for a long prison sentence as a deterrent against the Iranian regime. She stated that her activism has put her life at risk and described how she had been forced to live in constant fear since the assassination attempt was foiled three years ago.
Alinejad's words of defiance were matched by the sentences handed down by the judge, Colleen McMahon. Both Amirov and Omarov received 25-year prison terms for their roles in the plot, with Alinejad praising the decision as a "signal to the regime in Iran that they cannot hire criminals – Russian mobsters – again".
The case highlights the dangers faced by those who dare to speak out against oppressive regimes. For Alinejad and her husband, who have been forced into hiding since the attempted assassination, the sentence may bring some measure of closure but also serves as a stark reminder of the risks they continue to face.
As for Amirov and Omarov, their actions have undoubtedly caused fear and suffering for innocent people. While it is understandable that they sought to exploit vulnerabilities in the system, their crimes cannot be justified by any attempt at self-preservation or protection from perceived enemies.
Ultimately, this case underscores the need for continued vigilance against those who seek to undermine human rights and safety. The bravery of individuals like Alinejad serves as a powerful reminder that speaking truth to power requires courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Masih Alinejad, who is a prominent voice for women's rights and has long criticized the Iranian regime on social media, survived a targeted hit attempt by two men linked to the Russian mob. Khalid Mehdiyev was allegedly hired to carry out the killing, with the scheme orchestrated by Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov.
The attempted assassination took place in 2022, when Alinejad claimed she saw Mehdiyev outside her home. She reported him suspiciously speaking on his phone and quickly ran inside. Mehdiyev allegedly told investigators that he had been paid $30,000 to kill Alinejad.
However, it was later revealed that the Iranian government had secretly funded the plot at a cost of over half-a-million dollars to Amirov and Omarov, who were both found guilty on charges including murder-for-hire and attempted murder in aid of racketeering. Four Iranians, including a high-ranking official from Iran's Revolutionary Guards, were charged but are currently believed to be hiding in Iran.
At her sentencing hearing, Alinejad called for a long prison sentence as a deterrent against the Iranian regime. She stated that her activism has put her life at risk and described how she had been forced to live in constant fear since the assassination attempt was foiled three years ago.
Alinejad's words of defiance were matched by the sentences handed down by the judge, Colleen McMahon. Both Amirov and Omarov received 25-year prison terms for their roles in the plot, with Alinejad praising the decision as a "signal to the regime in Iran that they cannot hire criminals – Russian mobsters – again".
The case highlights the dangers faced by those who dare to speak out against oppressive regimes. For Alinejad and her husband, who have been forced into hiding since the attempted assassination, the sentence may bring some measure of closure but also serves as a stark reminder of the risks they continue to face.
As for Amirov and Omarov, their actions have undoubtedly caused fear and suffering for innocent people. While it is understandable that they sought to exploit vulnerabilities in the system, their crimes cannot be justified by any attempt at self-preservation or protection from perceived enemies.
Ultimately, this case underscores the need for continued vigilance against those who seek to undermine human rights and safety. The bravery of individuals like Alinejad serves as a powerful reminder that speaking truth to power requires courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice.
these two dudes gettin paid 30k to kill someone just 'cause they spoke out against Iran's regime... that's wild. but u know what's even crazier? The fact that Iranian govt was behind it all, fundin it like it was no big deal 
. Alinejad deserves a medal for still speakin out despite this try-on-her-life attempt. and btw, 25 yrs is a good sentence for these two thugs 
. they thought they could just hire Russian mobsters to do their dirty work... newsflash: that ain't how justice works 
my heart goes out to masih alinejad, she's a total hero for speaking truth to power despite all the risks she's taken. it's just sad that the iranian government funded this plot at over half a million dollars 
like what kind of twisted game are they playing? anyway, i'm glad justice was served and hopefully this will be a deterrent against anyone else who tries to harm someone for their views 
I'm so glad that Masih Alinejad got the long prison sentence she was fighting for 
! It's like, totally clear that the Iranian regime is behind this plot and they can't just get away with it 
. And can you believe the Iranians who are hiding in Iran? Like, what's wrong with them?! 
It's not like Masih Alinejad has done anything to hurt them or their country, she's just speaking truth to power and that's something we need more of 
! The Russian mobsters involved should get max time for their roles in this. It's not okay to try to kill someone just because they're a vocal critic 
.
[A picture of a person with a big X over their face, surrounded by police lights] 
Like, it's already super unfair to these guys, being part of a Russian mob and all, but still... Amirov and Omarov didn't actually kill anyone. Mehdiyev was the one trying to do the hit job, and he got caught up in some pretty shady stuff. But at the same time... the Iranian government's involvement? That's some heavy stuff right there... like, half a million dollars to fund a hit attempt? It's all just so messed up... 
. It's like, how can you expect people to speak out against injustice when there are people willing to kill them for it? 
Alinejad deserves so much more than 25 years - she needs our protection and support! 
Let's not forget that her activism has already put her life at risk, what more is needed to keep her safe? 
they got what was comin to 'em 25 yrs is a pretty hefty sentence for tryin to kill some1 just cuz they disagreed with the regime 
And the amount they were willing to spend - over half-a-million dollars! 
. The sentences handed down today are a good start, but we need more than that. We need systemic change and accountability from those in power 
. I mean, it's not like Amirov and Omarov were heroes or anything - they're just dudes who did some bad stuff for some extra cash 
. I gotta respect that kind of courage, even if it means living with constant fear 
. But at the same time, it's like, what's being done to protect her? Shouldn't there be some sort of protection in place for people who are fighting against oppression? 
. And Alinejad's story is like, the ultimate example of that 
. We need more people like her, and we need to support them every step of the way 
.
. On one hand, I'm so glad justice was served and that these guys are finally facing consequences for their heinous crimes 
