Introduction to the Case

Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad of Brooklyn came face-to-face on Tuesday in a Manhattan courtroom with the men whom her native country’s government allegedly hired to assassinate her in Brooklyn in 2002.

Photo by Dean Moses

The Court Encounter

Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad came face-to-face on Tuesday in a Manhattan courtroom with the men whom her native country’s government allegedly hired to kidnap and assassinate her in Brooklyn in 2002.
The tense encounter came as Alinejad testified inside of the federal court at 500 Pearl Street in the cases of Polad Omarov and Rafat Amirov, both from a town near the Iran/Azerbaijan border, who are accused of being involved in the plot.
“It’s the first time we’ve seen them face to face,” Kambiz Foroohar, Alinejad’s husband, told amNewYork Metro. ”It’s quite strange to see the people who wanted to kill you right across from you, and being defended by public defenders.”

Testimony and Evidence

The trial has also included testimony from Khalid Mehdiyev, who has pleaded guilty to a slew of charges, including attempted murder, while also admitting he was hired by the Iranian government to murder Alinejad.
Mehdiyev was spotted on July 28, 2022, peering through the windows of her Brooklyn home, where he took video and photo surveillance. He was later stopped by police not far from the residence while driving without a license. Inside his car, cops found a loaded AK-47 assault rifle. This was not the first time she had faced dangers in her life.

Background on the Journalist

After being highly critical of the Iranian government, Alinejad became a citizen of the United States and settled in Brooklyn in 2019. According to the Associated Press, Alinejad became a target of Iran after she advocated for women’s rights and spurred women in Iran to share messages and videos of women protesting the regime by refusing to wear head coverings, or hijabs, in public in Iran.
She even penned a memoir, “The Wind in My Hair,” which has since become a New York Times bestseller.
According to a report by the Associated Press, Alinejad became a target of Iran after she advocated for women’s rights and spurred women in Iran to share messages and videos of women protesting the regime by refusing to wear head coverings, or hijabs, in public in Iran.
Photo by Dean Moses

The Alleged Assassins

The exact part Omarov and Amirov played in the murder ploy remains unclear.
After testifying, Alinejad met with friends and supporters outside the Manhattan court. Appearing with her characteristic flower in her hair, she embraced those who stood by her, yet her attorney prevented her from making any comments to the press.
Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad came face to face on Tuesday with the men who were All allegedly hired by her native country’s government to assassinate her in Brooklyn in 2002.
Photo by Dean Moses

Response to the Threats

Despite the numerous attempts and threats on her life, Foroohar charged that it had done nothing to dampen Alinejad’s drive for advocacy.
“She is very strong, and she will continue her work — it’s not going to stop her. It has been an ordeal waiting for this chance,” Foroohar said. “This will not deter her. No, we’re going to continue even stronger.”
Alinejad’s advocacy has earned her numerous accolades, including Time’s Woman of the Year, the American Jewish Committee’s Moral Courage Award, the Oxi Courage Award, and John S. McCain’s Freedom Award.
Photo by Dean Moses

Conclusion

The case of Masih Alinejad highlights the risks faced by journalists who speak out against oppressive regimes. Despite the dangers, Alinejad remains committed to her advocacy work, inspiring others with her courage and resilience.

FAQs

• Q: Who is Masih Alinejad?
  A: Masih Alinejad is an Iranian journalist and women’s rights advocate who has been critical of the Iranian government.
• Q: What happened to Masih Alinejad in Brooklyn?
  A: Alinejad was allegedly targeted for assassination by the Iranian government in Brooklyn in 2002.
• Q: Who are the men accused of being involved in the plot?
  A: Polad Omarov and Rafat Amirov are accused of being involved in the plot to kidnap and assassinate Alinejad.
• Q: What has been the response to the threats against Alinejad?
  A: Despite the threats, Alinejad remains committed to her advocacy work, and her husband has stated that the threats will not deter her.