A federal jury in New York has returned guilty verdicts against two Eastern European men who were hired by Iran to carry out a hit on Iranian-American journalist and activist, Masih Alinejad. The verdicts were announced on Wednesday, bringing an end to a months-long trial that has shed light on the dangerous tactics used by the Iranian government to silence its critics.
The two self-described gangsters, Gholamreza Mahmoudi and Behzad Mesri, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder for hire and conspiracy to commit interstate and foreign stalking. They were hired by the Iranian government to target Alinejad, who has been a vocal critic of the Iranian regime and has been living in exile in the United States.
According to the evidence presented in court, the two men were part of a larger plot orchestrated by the Iranian government to silence Alinejad, who has been a thorn in their side for years. The plan involved hiring a hitman to travel from Iran to the United States and carry out the assassination. However, the hitman turned out to be an undercover agent for the FBI, who had been tipped off about the plot.
The jury heard testimony from Alinejad herself, who described the fear and anxiety she felt upon learning about the plot against her. She also shared how she had been targeted by the Iranian government in the past, including having her family members harassed and threatened in Iran.
The guilty verdicts against Mahmoudi and Mesri are a victory for Alinejad and all those who stand up against the oppressive tactics of the Iranian regime. It sends a strong message that the United States will not tolerate such actions on its soil and will hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
The trial also shed light on the dangerous tactics used by the Iranian government to silence its critics, both within and outside of the country. Alinejad is just one of many activists and journalists who have been targeted by the regime for speaking out against its human rights abuses and oppressive policies.
In her statement following the verdict, Alinejad expressed her gratitude to the jury for their decision and thanked the FBI for their efforts in uncovering the plot. She also called on the United States government to take a stronger stance against the Iranian regime and hold them accountable for their actions.
This trial serves as a reminder that the fight for freedom of speech and human rights is far from over. The Iranian government continues to use intimidation and violence to silence its critics, both within and outside of its borders. It is imperative that the international community stands together in condemning such actions and holding the Iranian regime accountable for its human rights abuses.
The guilty verdicts against Mahmoudi and Mesri are a step in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done. We must continue to support and protect those who speak out against oppression and stand up for human rights. As Alinejad said in her statement, “The fight for freedom is not an easy one, but it is a fight worth fighting.”
In the face of such threats and intimidation, Alinejad remains steadfast in her mission to speak out against the Iranian regime and fight for the rights of her fellow Iranians. Her bravery and determination serve as an inspiration to us all, and we must continue to stand with her in this fight for justice and freedom.
In conclusion, the guilty verdicts against the two Eastern European men hired by Iran to carry out a hit on Masih Alinejad are a victory for justice and a strong message to the Iranian regime that their oppressive tactics will not be tolerated. We must continue to stand with Alinejad and all those who fight for freedom and human rights, and hold the Iranian regime accountable for their actions.
