Two Russian Mobsters Sentenced to 25 Years for Plot to Assassinate Iranian Journalist in NYC

Assassination Plot and Sentencing

• 🎯 Two Russian mobsters, Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, were sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for plotting to assassinate Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad.
• 🗓️ The conviction on murder-for-hire charges occurred in Manhattan back in March, with the sentencing taking place today.
• 💰 Prosecutors stated the pair paid $30,000 to an individual seen outside Alinejad's Brooklyn home in 2022, with the intent to kill her.

Victim's Perspective and Activism

• 🎤 Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American journalist and women's rights activist, expressed joy and relief, calling the sentencing a dream for millions of Iranians fighting for justice.
• 🗣️ Alinejad stated her crime was simply giving a voice to women in Iran through her social media campaign, which has over 8 million followers.
• ⚠️ She revealed she has survived three assassination plots and two kidnapping attempts, and has remained in hiding, moving 21 times during the ordeal.

Alleged Iranian Government Involvement

• 💸 Prosecutors claimed the Iranian government paid the men $500,000 to carry out the assassination.
• 🇺🇸 Alinejad, who grew up chanting "death to America" in Iran, ironically found a "second life" in America, where the plot against her was foiled.