Two Russian mobsters, Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, were sentenced to 25 years in prison on Wednesday in a New York federal court for their involvement in an assassination plot targeting Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad. The pair was convicted in March of serious charges that included murder-for-hire and attempted murder.
Alinejad has been a vocal critic of the Iranian regime and a passionate advocate for women’s rights, drawing the ire of Iranian authorities over the years. In her powerful address to the court prior to sentencing, Alinejad articulated the ongoing trauma she suffers as a result of the assassination attempt, stating, “My crime is just giving voice to women of Iran.” She described her ongoing struggle to live a normal life, having to frequently move between safe houses since the murder plot was foiled approximately three years ago.
During her testimony, Alinejad recounted a chilling moment from July 2022 when she encountered a suspicious man outside her home. This man, identified as Khalid Mehdiyev, was subsequently paid $30,000 by Amirov and Omarov to carry out the assassination, with the Iranian government allegedly funding the plot to the tune of $500,000. Four other Iranians, including a high-ranking official in the Revolutionary Guards, are also thought to be involved but remain in Iran.
Alinejad emphasized the importance of a stern sentence, asserting that a lengthy punishment would send a clear message to the Iranian regime: “They cannot hire criminals — Russian mobsters — again.” Her strong presence in the courtroom was matched by her resilient spirit, as she dressed in a deep red leather coat and confidently confronted her would-be assassins.
While the defense attorneys requested lighter sentences—Omarov’s legal team even referencing Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment”—Amirov and Omarov’s roles in the plot were starkly acknowledged by Judge Colleen McMahon. She expressed her discontent regarding the upheaval in Alinejad’s life, underscoring the unfairness of her situation: “It is not fair that Ms. Alinejad and her husband and her children have had their lives upended.”
After the sentencing, Alinejad celebrated the outcome with her supporters, declaring, “I love justice,” signaling her resolve and hope amid the challenges she faces. This case serves as a testament to the courage of individuals like Alinejad, who continue to advocate for justice and human rights regardless of the threats they endure.