In a chilling development, prominent Iranian-American journalist and activist Masih Alinejad was revealed to be the target of a murder plot, allegedly orchestrated by a general in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This marks the latest in a string of efforts by the Iranian government to silence its critics abroad, particularly those advocating for human rights and women’s freedoms in Iran.
The target of the alleged assassination plot was not named in unsealed court documents, but she has been widely identified as Masih Alinejad, who lives in New York.
Justice Department announces murder-for-hire charges against IRGC Brigadier General and Former Intelligence Officer and Members of an Iranian Intelligence Network in a statement also posted on its official social media X.
Justice Department Announces Murder-For-Hire Charges Against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Brigadier General and Former Intelligence Officer and Members of an Iranian Intelligence Network
🔗: https://t.co/lbmYGfZbRy pic.twitter.com/JEWYszCleD
— National Security Division, U.S. Dept of Justice (@DOJNatSec) October 22, 2024
“The Justice Department has now charged eight individuals, including an Iranian military official, for their efforts to silence and kill a US citizen because of her criticism of the Iranian regime,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said.
Masih Alinejad and Iranian Women’s Rights
Masih Alinejad, a vocal critic of Iran’s theocratic government, is best known for her activism around women’s rights, particularly in opposition to Iran’s mandatory hijab laws. Born in Iran but currently residing in the United States is very vocal about the women’s rights and freedom in Iran. Through her social media platforms and campaigns, she has encouraged Iranian women to remove their hijabs in protest, igniting widespread movements.
Alinejad has long been a thorn in the side of Iran’s regime, which views her as a significant threat due to her criticism and challenge the government’s alleged repressive policies. Her advocacy has made her a target of relentless harassment, threats, and surveillance, but the recent assassination plot is perhaps the most alarming escalation in the Iranian regime’s efforts to intimidate and neutralize its most outspoken critics.
The Alleged Plot: IRGC Involvement
According to U.S. authorities, the assassination plot against Masih Alinejad was orchestrated by a general within Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, a paramilitary force that operates outside Iran’s conventional military and plays a central role in protecting the regime’s interests. The plot, which was foiled by the FBI and U.S. law enforcement, involved a detailed plan to murder Alinejad on U.S. soil—a brazen act that underscores Iran’s willingness to target dissidents even in foreign countries.
This isn’t the first time Alinejad has been targeted by the Iranian regime. In 2021, U.S. authorities exposed a separate kidnapping plot that aimed to forcibly return Alinejad to Iran, where she would likely face imprisonment or worse. The IRGC’s alleged involvement in both these plots highlights the lengths to which Tehran is willing to go to silence its critics abroad.
The targeting of Masih Alinejad is part of a broader pattern of Iran’s campaign against exiled dissidents and activists. Over the years, Iran’s government has been accused of abducting, imprisoning, and even killing opposition figures living abroad. These extraterritorial operations are often carried out by the IRGC, which has a well-documented history of conducting covert operations beyond Iran’s borders.
Alinejad, with her massive platform and unrelenting criticism of the regime, has become one of the most high-profile targets. However, her case is far from isolated. Other dissidents and journalists, including those who have spoken out against Iran’s human rights abuses, corruption, and political repression, have similarly found themselves in the crosshairs of the Iranian regime’s wrath.
A Global Trend: Silencing Dissent
Iran’s targeting of Alinejad sends a clear message to the global community: No critic of the regime is safe, even beyond Iran’s borders. Tehran’s attempts to suppress dissent are not limited to within its own borders but have expanded into international territory, particularly targeting influential figures in Europe and North America.
The revelation of this murder plot expected further escalation in an already tense relations between Washington and Tehran. Recently, many dictatorial regimes across the world are pushing this type of silencing their critics abroad through the agents and supporting through the official channels.
U.S. expressed concern and commitment to protecting its individuals like Masih Alinejad, who are targeted for their advocacy of freedom and human rights.
