U.S. prosecutors have charged a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps of Iran in an assassination plot to kill Iranian American human rights activist Masih Alinejad on American soil. The indictment mentions Ruhollah Bazghandi and three other men in a “murder-for-hire” plot, as well as charges of money laundering and sanctions evasion. Alinejad, who has been living in exile in New York City, confirmed that she was the intended target. Bazghandi is described as a brigadier general who previously served as chief of the Revolutionary Guard’s counterintelligence department. In October 2017, the U.S. government designated the IRGC as a global terrorist group due to its involvement in international terrorism.
In April 2023, the Office of Foreign Assets Control stated that Bazghandi was involved in assassination plots against journalists, Israeli citizens, and others considered enemies of Iran. He was also implicated in the detention of foreign prisoners held in Iran and operations in Syria by the Revolutionary Guard’s counterintelligence department. Federal prosecutors charged seven other individuals in connection with the plot. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized that the U.S. will not tolerate efforts by authoritarian regimes like Iran to undermine the fundamental rights guaranteed to every American. While three defendants are in U.S. custody, Bazghandi remains at large.
Alinejad fled Iran following the country’s controversial 2009 presidential election and has been an outspoken advocate for human rights, particularly for women in Iran. Despite the assassination plot, Alinejad expressed determination to continue giving voice to Iranians, especially women, who face oppression in their country. The unsealed indictment does not directly name Alinejad as the target, but she has publicly acknowledged being the intended victim. Bazghandi’s involvement in the assassination plot, along with allegations of money laundering and sanctions evasion, shed light on Iran’s efforts to silence dissent and target those who speak out against the regime.
The involvement of a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, designated a global terrorist group by the U.S., in a plot to kill an American activist on U.S. soil highlights the ongoing tensions between the two countries. The charges against Bazghandi and other individuals demonstrate the risks faced by those who challenge authoritarian regimes and speak out in defense of human rights. Alinejad’s courage in the face of threats and attempts on her life underscores the importance of supporting and defending the rights of all individuals, especially those who face oppression and persecution. The U.S. government’s commitment to identifying and bringing to justice those who endanger the safety of Americans sends a strong message that acts of violence and intimidation will not be tolerated.
