Murder for Hire: How Iran Tried to Silence a Brave Activist in the Heart of NYC
The United States has formally charged Ruhollah Bazghandi, a senior official in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), for his involvement in a plot to assassinate Iranian American activist Masih Alinejad in New York City. The charges, which include murder-for-hire and money laundering, have sent shockwaves through the international community, highlighting the reach of Iran’s regime beyond its borders.
The indictment, filed by the US Department of Justice, names Bazghandi and three other Iranian citizens who allegedly conspired to kill Alinejad in 2022. Alinejad, a vocal critic of the Iranian government’s treatment of women and its strict enforcement of hijab laws, has long been a target of the regime due to her advocacy work.
In July 2022, the plot nearly came to fruition when one of the suspects, Khalid Mehdiyev, was apprehended outside Alinejad’s home with a rifle. This arrest led to an investigation that uncovered the involvement of Bazghandi and other Iranian officials. The plot, according to the indictment, was part of a larger effort by Iran to silence dissidents living abroad.
The indictment, filed by the US Department of Justice, names Bazghandi and three other Iranian citizens who allegedly conspired to kill Alinejad in 2022. Alinejad, a vocal critic of the Iranian government’s treatment of women and its strict enforcement of hijab laws, has long been a target of the regime due to her advocacy work.
In July 2022, the plot nearly came to fruition when one of the suspects, Khalid Mehdiyev, was apprehended outside Alinejad’s home with a rifle. This arrest led to an investigation that uncovered the involvement of Bazghandi and other Iranian officials. The plot, according to the indictment, was part of a larger effort by Iran to silence dissidents living abroad.
Bazghandi’s position as an IRGC brigadier general makes this case particularly concerning, as it points to the involvement of high-level Iranian officials in extraterritorial repression efforts. The indictment comes as tensions between the US and Iran continue to rise, particularly in the context of regional conflicts involving Iran’s support for Hamas and other groups.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that the US will not tolerate any attempts by foreign regimes to target American citizens. Alinejad herself has acknowledged the seriousness of the plot, describing it as a stark reminder of the lengths to which the Iranian regime will go to silence its critics.
This case also reflects a broader trend of authoritarian governments attempting to stifle dissent beyond their borders. The Iranian regime’s targeting of Alinejad is part of a larger campaign against activists and journalists, particularly those advocating for women’s rights and democratic reforms. As the charges against Bazghandi proceed, the world watches to see how the US will respond to this clear violation of international norms.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that the US will not tolerate any attempts by foreign regimes to target American citizens. Alinejad herself has acknowledged the seriousness of the plot, describing it as a stark reminder of the lengths to which the Iranian regime will go to silence its critics.
This case also reflects a broader trend of authoritarian governments attempting to stifle dissent beyond their borders. The Iranian regime’s targeting of Alinejad is part of a larger campaign against activists and journalists, particularly those advocating for women’s rights and democratic reforms. As the charges against Bazghandi proceed, the world watches to see how the US will respond to this clear violation of international norms.
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