Russian Mobsters Sentenced 25 Years For Iran-Backed NYC Journalist Assassination Plot

Two Russian mobsters, Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, were sentenced to 25 years in prison for their roles in an Iranian government-backed murder-for-hire plot targeting Iranian-American journalist and activist Masih Alinejad in New York City. The assassination attempt was orchestrated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, with a senior official allegedly directing the operation from Iran. The plot unraveled when an Azerbaijani-born hitman was arrested outside Alinejad's home, carrying weapons and surveillance evidence, later turning informant. Alinejad, known for her outspoken criticism of the Iranian regime and her activism, including the "My Stealthy Freedom" campaign, has faced multiple attempts on her life by Iranian operatives. U.S. authorities emphasized the disturbing rise in foreign government-sponsored criminal activities targeting dissidents on American soil and pledged to hold those responsible accountable. The case highlights ongoing threats to free speech and national sovereignty posed by foreign regimes operating within the United States.