What's happened
A court in Manhattan sentenced two Russian mobsters, Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, for plotting to assassinate Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad. The plot, linked to Iran's government, nearly succeeded in 2022. The men received sentences of up to 55 years, highlighting ongoing threats against dissidents abroad.
What's behind the headline?
The case underscores the persistent reach of Iran's regime in targeting dissidents abroad, especially those like Alinejad who challenge its authority. The involvement of Russian mob figures highlights how transnational criminal networks are exploited for political purposes, blurring lines between organized crime and state-sponsored actions. The near-success of the plot reveals the ongoing risks faced by exiled activists, emphasizing the importance of international law enforcement cooperation. This incident also exposes the broader geopolitical tensions, with Iran willing to pay substantial bounties to eliminate critics, and demonstrates how criminal organizations are increasingly used as proxies in covert operations. The sentences handed down will likely serve as a deterrent but also signal the need for heightened security for dissidents globally. The case foreshadows continued threats against activists and the importance of vigilant international security measures to protect free speech and human rights defenders.
What the papers say
The Independent reports on the sentencing and details of the plot, emphasizing the role of Iranian intelligence and the involvement of Russian mob figures. The NY Post highlights Alinejad's personal account and her activism, framing her as a target of regime hostility. The Times of Israel and AP News focus on the legal proceedings and the international criminal connections, providing a comprehensive view of the case's significance. All sources agree on the gravity of the threat and the near success of the assassination attempt, illustrating the ongoing danger faced by dissidents like Alinejad and the complex web of criminal and political actors involved.
How we got here
Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American activist, has been a vocal critic of Iran's regime, especially on issues of women's rights and government repression. Since fleeing Iran in 2009, she has built a large online following and campaigned against Iran's mandatory hijab laws. Iranian intelligence officials first plotted to kidnap her in 2020-2021, and in 2022, offered a $500,000 bounty to silence her. The plot was disrupted by U.S. law enforcement, preventing her assassination. The convicted mobsters, linked to the Russian criminal network, were found to have been involved in the attempted murder, which was motivated by Iran's desire to silence her activism.
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Masih Alinejad is an Iranian journalist, author, political activist, and women's rights activist. Alinejad currently works as a presenter/producer at VOA Persian Service, a correspondent for Radio Farda, a frequent contributor to Manoto television, and a