Assassination Plot Against Journalist Masih Alinejad: Mobsters Near Sentencing

Thu Oct 30 2025 16:32:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Two alleged Russian mobsters face a lengthy prison sentence for their roles in a murder plot against Iranian American journalist Masih Alinejad, with details of their chilling intent revealed during the trial.

Prosecutors have requested significant prison time for Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, accused of plotting to assassinate journalist Masih Alinejad at her home in Brooklyn. This plot was linked to Iranian officials, with Alinejad being an outspoken critic of the Iranian government. The case highlights the intersection of organized crime and international influence in silencing dissent.

NEW YORK (AP) — In a heart-stopping revelation during legal proceedings, prosecutors disclosed that a plot to assassinate Iranian American journalist Masih Alinejad at her Brooklyn residence came chillingly near success. This statement was made as the court gears up for the sentencing of two alleged Russian mobsters, Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov.

Prosecutors are seeking a 55-year prison term for both crime bosses linked to the Gulici faction of the Russian mob, notorious for a litany of violent crimes including kidnapping and extortion. Alinejad, author and activist, was vocal about her experience and expressed her intent to speak in court regarding the impact of the conspiracy against her.

During the trial which occurred over two weeks in March, compelling testimonies were provided by both a hired assassin and Alinejad herself. The journalist, who has championed women's rights and freedom of expression, mentioned her plan to be present in court as a statement of her resilience.

Prosecutors noted that Alinejad had been the target of Iranian intelligence efforts since 2020, with multiple attempts to either kidnap or silence her due to her strong opposition to the Iranian regime's policies. They revealed that the Iranian government had offered a $500,000 bounty to eliminate her after earlier strategies to intimidate her had failed.

As the court reviewed details, it became evident that the plot nearly succeeded, with a hired gunman actively seeking Alinejad. However, it was the diligence of U.S. law enforcement that apprehended the individuals before any harm could befall her.

Alinejad's legal representatives argue for leniency on behalf of their clients, claiming no physical harm was inflicted upon her during the planning phase. However, prosecutors emphasized the profound implications of their actions and the necessity for justice in the face of such threats.

In her impact statement, Alinejad is expected to highlight the entrenched risks faced by journalists and activists who engage in truth-telling amid oppressive regimes. They will receive their sentence, and I’ll speak my truth in my impact statement, she expressed, underscoring the significance of standing against tyranny.

The case continues to develop as Alinejad, who has moved homes nearly two dozen times since the threats were discovered, remains a pivotal figure in advocating for freedom and rights within Iran, fostering an audience of millions through her outreach initiatives.