U.S. prosecutors have charged a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps of Iran, Ruhollah Bazghandi, in an assassination plot to kill Iranian American human rights activist Masih Alinejad on American soil. The indictment also names three other men in a “murder-for-hire” plot, as well as money-laundering and sanctions evasion charges. Alinejad, an Iranian opposition activist and journalist living in exile in New York City, confirmed that she was the intended target. Bazghandi, described as a brigadier general who previously served as chief of the Revolutionary Guard’s counterintelligence department, is not currently in custody.
In October 2017, the U.S. government designated the IRGC as a global terrorist group due to its role in supporting Iran’s involvement in international terrorism. Bazghandi was also linked to assassination plots against journalists, Israeli citizens, and others considered enemies of Iran, as well as involvement in detaining foreign prisoners and operations in Syria. Federal prosecutors have charged seven other individuals in connection with the plot. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated that the U.S. will not tolerate efforts by authoritarian regimes such as Iran to undermine the fundamental rights guaranteed to Americans, and that they will continue working to bring all those involved in endangering the safety of the American people to justice.
Alinejad fled Iran following the disputed 2009 presidential election and has been living in exile in New York City. Despite the assassination plot against her, she has expressed determination to continue giving voice to the Iranian people, particularly women who face similar threats within the country. Alinejad’s advocacy work focuses on promoting human rights and freedom of speech in Iran, where she has faced persecution for her activism. The unsealed indictment did not explicitly mention Alinejad’s name, but she confirmed to several media outlets that she was the target of the plot.
The involvement of Bazghandi, a high-ranking member of the IRGC, in the assassination plot highlights the ongoing threats faced by Iranian dissidents and activists, both in Iran and abroad. The designation of the IRGC as a terrorist group underscores the organization’s role in supporting terrorism and carrying out attacks against perceived enemies of the Iranian regime. The charges brought against Bazghandi and others involved in the plot signal the U.S. government’s commitment to holding accountable those responsible for targeting Americans and undermining their safety. Despite the risks and challenges she faces, Alinejad remains steadfast in her mission to amplify the voices of the Iranian people and advocate for their rights, even in the face of attempts on her life.
The assassination plot against Alinejad serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by activists and dissidents who speak out against repressive regimes like Iran. The targeting of Alinejad, a prominent human rights advocate, reflects the Iranian government’s efforts to silence critics and suppress dissent. The indictment of Bazghandi and others involved in the plot demonstrates the U.S. government’s commitment to protecting its citizens from foreign threats and holding accountable those who seek to harm Americans. Alinejad’s resilience in the face of danger and her determination to continue her advocacy work despite the risks highlight the courage and strength of those who fight for justice and freedom in oppressive environments. As the legal proceedings against the individuals implicated in the plot continue, the case underscores the importance of upholding human rights and democratic values in the face of authoritarian aggression.
