A Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a foiled murder-for-hire plot that was linked to Iran and targeted prominent Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad, as announced by the Justice Department.
Carlisle Rivera, also referred to as “Pop,” pleaded guilty to two counts: conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit stalking. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in the Southern District of New York on Wednesday.
Masih Alinejad, who fled Iran in 2009, is an outspoken critic of the Iranian government’s head-covering laws and has gained significant traction as a journalist and activist. Through her extensive social media presence, she shares videos that showcase women defying such laws, becoming a symbol of resistance. At the time of the alleged assassination plot, Alinejad was residing in Brooklyn.
This case reflects the Justice Department’s broader commitment to addressing transnational repression, a phenomenon where authoritarian regimes seek to silence dissenters beyond their borders. Prosecutors highlighted that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and intelligence agencies have made several attempts to eliminate Alinejad, despite the Iranian government labeling these claims as groundless.
The convictions associated with the murder plot against Alinejad signal the ongoing threats to activists and dissidents on an international scale. While challenges persist, Alinejad’s determination and advocacy remain a source of inspiration for many, urging individuals worldwide to stand against oppression and uphold the values of freedom and human rights.