“They Will Never Silence Me” – Iran Accused of $500,000 Bounty on Journalist Masih Alinejad

Listen to this article WASHINGTON: A U.S. prosecutor has alleged that the Iranian government placed a $500000 bounty on an...
Iran-Backed Assassination Plot Foiled Masih Alinejad Declares Victory Over Khamenei Pulse news network

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WASHINGTON: A U.S. prosecutor has alleged that the Iranian government placed a $500000 bounty on an Iranian-American journalist, Masih Alinejad, in an attempt to silence her activism. The case involves two Russian mobsters who allegedly orchestrated the plot.

Targeting a Journalist

Masih Alinejad has been an outspoken critic of Iran’s policies, especially regarding women’s rights and mandatory hijab laws.

She has gained millions of followers worldwide for encouraging Iranian women to defy dress code regulations.

Prosecutors say Iran viewed her as a threat to the regime and tried to intimidate her.

When threats and harassment failed, officials allegedly offered money for her assassination.

The murder-for-hire plot was foiled in July 2022, leading to the trial of two accused organizers.

Assassination Plot Uncovered

Authorities say Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, two high-ranking Russian mobsters, received money from Iran.

Their goal was to hire a hitman to carry out Alinejad’s assassination.

A key witness, Khalid Mehdiyev, claimed he was paid $30,000 to kill Alinejad.

Mehdiyev was arrested after police found a loaded AK-47 in his car.

He was caught outside Alinejad’s Brooklyn home, where he had allegedly been conducting surveillance.

Alinejad’s Activism

Alinejad testified in court, describing years of threats and harassment due to her activism.

She left Iran in 2009 and moved to the U.S. after the country’s disputed presidential election.

Her online campaign, “My Stealthy Freedom,” encouraged Iranian women to remove their hijabs in defiance of strict laws.

Thousands of women sent her videos showing themselves in public with uncovered hair.

Her activism made her a symbol of resistance against Iran’s oppressive policies.

Defense Arguments

The defense attorneys argued that their clients had no role in the assassination plot.

Attorney Michael Martin, representing Amirov, admitted Iran was targeting Alinejad but denied his client’s involvement.

Martin called the key witness, Mehdiyev, a “manipulative, violent, lying person” who could not be trusted.

Attorney Elena Fast, representing Omarov, dismissed the alleged plot as a money scam.

She claimed that any communication about the killing was meant to collect money from Iran without carrying out the murder.

Masih Alinejad’s Response

Following the trial, Alinejad responded publicly, reaffirming her determination to keep speaking out.

On X (formerly Twitter), she directly addressed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling him a “mastermind of terror.”

She said evidence presented in court proved Khamenei’s role in her assassination attempt and other global crimes.

She accused him of sponsoring terrorist groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis.

“They will never silence me. We will never back down,” she declared.

Final Steps in the Trial

The prosecution insists the evidence is overwhelming and that the suspects played a direct role.

Jurors heard closing arguments in a Manhattan federal courtroom on Wednesday.

Prosecutors will present their rebuttal arguments before the jury begins deliberations.

If convicted, the accused men could face severe penalties, including life in prison.

A final verdict is expected after the jury reviews the case.

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