Federal Jury Convicts Two in Plot to Assassinate Iranian-American Journalist

A chilling plot orchestrated by the Iranian government to assassinate Masih Alinejad, a prominent Iranian-American journalist and outspoken critic of the regime, has been foiled, with a federal jury convicting two European men for their roles in the murder-for-hire scheme. Rafat Amirov of Iran and Polad Omarov of Georgia were found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, a verdict announced by the Justice Department on Friday.

The case highlights the Iranian regime’s relentless pursuit of its critics, even on American soil, and underscores the lengths to which it is willing to go to silence dissenting voices. Alinejad, a staunch advocate for human rights in Iran and a vocal opponent of the compulsory hijab, has been a target of the Iranian government for years. Her work as a journalist, her activism, and her prominent platform have made her a thorn in the side of the regime.

"The Iranian regime’s brazen plot to silence and murder Americans will not be tolerated," declared Sue J. Bai, head of the DOJ’s National Security Division, in a press release. The conviction of Amirov and Omarov marks a significant victory for U.S. law enforcement and sends a strong message to Iran that its attempts to export violence and repression will not be tolerated.

Alinejad, who has worked as a journalist covering the Iranian parliament and has contributed to prominent American publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post, expressed her relief and gratitude following the verdict. In a post on X, she stated that while she was relieved by the jury’s decision, the "real masterminds" are still in power in Iran. She vowed to continue her fight for justice and expressed hope that one day, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will be held accountable for their actions. "For the first time, the regime of the Islamic Republic is being held accountable for bringing its campaign of terror to U.S. soil," she wrote, adding, "This is just the beginning of exposing and dismantling its network of violence."

Defense attorney Elena Fast, representing Omarov, stated that she respected the jury’s verdict but would appeal the decision. Amirov’s lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

According to court documents, both Amirov and Omarov were high-ranking members of the Bazghandi Network, a notorious Eastern European crime organization. The IRGC, a branch of the Iranian armed forces designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., allegedly tasked the two men with carrying out the assassination of Alinejad in exchange for $500,000.

The Bazghandi Network, named after Ruhollah Bazghandi, a brigadier general of the IRGC who previously served as chief of the corps’ counterintelligence department, has been implicated in various criminal activities across Eastern Europe. The Justice Department revealed that ranking members of the IRGC instructed Amirov and Omarov to locate, surveil, and ultimately murder Alinejad after previous attempts to kidnap her from the U.S. failed.

The plot unfolded in July 2022, when Amirov began sending targeting information about Alinejad, received directly from IRGC officials in Iran, to Omarov. Omarov then shared this information with Khalid Mehdiyev, another member of the Bazghandi Network, who was tasked with monitoring Alinejad’s movements. Mehdiyev sent reports and information about the journalist’s whereabouts to Omarov and others in exchange for money. He used the funds to purchase an AK-47-style rifle, two magazines, and at least 66 rounds of ammunition.

On July 27, 2022, Omarov informed Amirov that Mehdiyev was ready to kill Alinejad, writing, "This matter will be over today. I told them to make a birthday present for me. I pressured them, they will sleep there this night," according to the DOJ release.

The assassination plot was disrupted when police stopped Mehdiyev for a traffic violation the following day. A search of his vehicle revealed the AK-47-style rifle, ammunition, a black ski mask, and approximately $1,100 in cash. Mehdiyev later testified at the trial that he was at Alinejad’s residence to "try to kill the journalist."

Alinejad also testified, recounting an incident in the summer of 2022 when she saw a "large man" standing among flowers in her front yard, around the same time Mehdiyev admitted to surveilling her home. "The guy was a little bit suspicious so I got panicked," Alinejad testified. "He was in the sunflowers, like, staring into my eyes."

U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon is scheduled to sentence Omarov and Amirov on September 17. They face a potential sentence of up to life in prison for the possession and use of a gun in connection with the attempted murder charge.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Matthew Podolsky emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Iran has been attempting for years to "silence an outspoken Iranian journalist, author, activist and critic of their regime through any means necessary." He added that the verdict "should send a clear message around the world: if you target U.S. citizens, we will find you, no matter where you are, and bring you to justice."

In addition to Amirov and Omarov, several other individuals have been arrested in connection with the plot, including Zialat Mamedov of Georgia; Ruhollah Bazghandi of Iran; Fnu Lnu, also known as Haj Taher, of Iran; Hossein Sedighi of Iran; and Seyed Mohammad Forouzan of Iran. Prosecutors have stated that after the DOJ exposed the murder plot, members of the Bazghandi Network monitored other members’ court cases and continued to target Alinejad.

The attempted assassination plot underscores the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly regarding Iran’s human rights record and its support for terrorism. President Donald Trump had previously implemented a "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran, imposing sanctions and other measures aimed at curbing its nuclear ambitions and destabilizing activities. Despite this pressure, Iran has continued to pursue its own agenda and has shown a willingness to engage in aggressive actions, even on foreign soil.

Alinejad, in her remarks following the verdict, emphasized that the murder plot was "bigger than her" and a matter of national security. "The Iranian regime doesn’t just hate me; they hate the very principles that define America, freedom, democracy, and free speech. If they can send assassins to kill a journalist on American soil, they can threaten anyone. Will you take action before it’s too late?" she questioned. Her words serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by authoritarian regimes that seek to silence dissent and undermine democratic values. The conviction of Amirov and Omarov is a significant step in holding Iran accountable for its actions, but the fight for justice and freedom for the Iranian people is far from over.