Photo: nytimes.com
Judge Sentences Men Who Tried to Kill Iranian Activist to 25 Years
Rafit Amirov and Polad Omarov were sentenced to 25 years for plotting to kill Iranian activist Masih Alinejad in Brooklyn, highlighting the ongoing threats against dissidents from Iran.
- In a Manhattan courtroom, Rafit Amirov and Polad Omarov received 25-year sentences for stalking and attempting to kill Masih Alinejad, a prominent Iranian activist.
- Prosecutors revealed that the men acted under the direction of an Iranian general, underscoring the Government of Irans involvement in international intimidation against Iranian Americans.
- Masih Alinejad, a journalist advocating for womens rights in Iran, has faced severe threats, reflecting the risks faced by dissidents living abroad, particularly in Brooklyn.
Why It Matters
This case underscores the persistent dangers faced by Iranian activists like Masih Alinejad, revealing a broader trend of state-sponsored violence and intimidation against dissenting voices globally. It also highlights the intersection of crime and politics involving entities like the Russian mafia in the context of contract killing.