Jury Convicts Two in Iran-Backed Plot to Kill Journalist

A federal jury in New York convicted Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov for their involvement in a murder-for-hire plot targeting Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad, allegedly funded by the Iranian government. The men were found guilty of charges including murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering, with the plot reportedly aimed at silencing Alinejad due to her activism against Iran’s compulsory hijab laws. Alinejad expressed relief at the verdict but emphasized that the true masterminds, including Iranian officials, remain unpunished. The plot was foiled when a hired assailant was arrested near her home with a loaded assault rifle. This case highlights the ongoing risks faced by journalists and dissidents challenging authoritarian regimes, particularly in relation to Iran's alleged efforts to silence critics abroad. While Iran denies involvement in such plots, the convictions underscore the seriousness of threats against dissidents.