Brooklyn Man Sentenced for Role in Iran-Backed Murder-for-Hire Plot Against Journalist Masih Alinejad

Sentencing in Murder-for-Hire Plot

• 🎯 Carile Rivera was sentenced to 15 years for his role in a murder-for-hire plot targeting Iranian dissident journalist Masih Alinejad.
• 💡 Rivera pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder for hire, admitting he was hired by an Iranian operative for $100,000.
• ⚠️ The plot was directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an Iranian military agency designated as a foreign terrorist organization.

Background of the Plot

• 🗓️ Rivera and another man, Jonathan Lowhal, surveilled Alinejad for months and were intended to carry out the attack in February 2024 at Fairfield University.
• 🔍 The FBI became aware of the threat, leading to the cancellation of Alinejad's speaking engagement.
• ⚖️ This marks the third plot by Iran's regime against Alinejad, who is a CBS News contributor and outspoken critic.

Victim's Perspective and Plea

• 🗣️ Masih Alinejad expressed that she lives in fear, has had to move, and constantly looks over her shoulder due to these threats.
• 🇺🇸 She stated, "I'm fighting for you. I'm fighting for all Americans," emphasizing that the Islamic Republic's first target is America.
• 🙏 Alinejad is grateful for the sentencing but believes it is not enough, urging the US government to take action against the Iranian regime.

Rivera's Remorse

• 😥 Rivera cried and told the court, "I am deeply, deeply sorry for my actions."
• 👨‍👦 Letters were written on his behalf by several people, including his 10-year-old son.