Jury Convicts Two Men in Iran-Backed Assassination Plot Against Journalist Masih Alinejad

 The New York federal jury found two men Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov responsible for planning to kill Iranian American journalist Masih Alinejad. The trial spanned two weeks until its conclusion on March 20, 2025 during which a jury clarified details about a murder-for-hire scheme conducted by Iran. ​

Background on Masih Alinejad

As a journalist and activist Masih Alinejad challenges the Iranian government through her public criticism while using her platform to defend Iranian women and oppose hijab regulations. After escaping Iran in 2009 she started conducting her movement from the United States where she motivates Iranian women to oppose state mandates. ​

Details of the Assassination Plot

Documented court evidence shows how the assassination plan progressed thusly:

The Iranian government offered financial remuneration amounting to $500,000 to criminals willing to eliminate Alinejad because she remained active in her political work. H

Sections from legal documents revealed that Russian mob criminals Amirov and Omarov arranged the assassination attempt through their employment of a novice assassin named Khalid Mehdiyev. Mehdiyev received the task to terminate Alinejad inside her Brooklyn residence. ​

Mehdiyev attempted to kill Alinejad in July 2022 while being arrested near her residence. Police arrested him while he possessed both a loaded AK-47 assault rifle and a ski mask together with 66 rounds of ammunition. ​

Trial and Convictions

The convictions relied upon essential testimonies and evidence presented during the court proceedings.

Mehdiyev testified against authorities while being detained which resulted in revealing comprehensive details about their assassination plan as well as exposing Amirov and Omarov as those who organized it. ​

New York Post

Amirov together with Omarov received guilty verdicts after being convicted of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and money laundering offenses. The court ruling proves the critical danger to Alinejad's safety while showing the comprehensive impact on freedom of the press and activist activities. ​

Alinejad's Response

Alinejad felt relieved after the trial as she continued her dedication to fight for human rights. The conviction serves as a symbol that stands for justice against those oppressive actions made by the Iranian government. ​

Implications and Next Steps

These authors stand as proof against the ongoing threats which authoritarian regimes direct against dissident journalists who confront them. The international reach of hostile foreign governments in their attempt to silence domestic dissent is demonstrated by this case. Lawmakers have yet to decide the sentencing of the two defendants whose prison sentences may extend to many decades. ​

Freedom of expression worldwide requires protection because the case demonstrates how people who oppose oppressive governments face extreme dangers in speaking out.​