Sentencing for Would-Be Assassin of Iranian-American Journalist
A federal judge has handed down a maximum sentence of 15 years to Carlyle Rivera, who plotted to assassinate Iranian-American journalist Maci Alinejad in New York, allegedly at the behest of the Iranian government.
U.S. District Judge Luis J. Lehman remarked that Rivera caused “tremendous harm” to Alinejad and her spouse, labeling the communication exchanged in the lead-up to the planned attack as “appalling.”
Alinejad conveyed to the court that the threats she faced were not solely personal but rather an affront to all Americans and the nation’s sovereignty. “I’m just a woman,” she stated emphatically. “My weapon is my voice. My weapon is social media.”
She urged the judge to consider the maximum sentence to deter future attempts aimed at American citizens within the U.S.
Before the judge made a ruling, Rivera, 51, expressed remorse, saying he “deeply regrets my actions.”
During a brief interlude in court, Rivera’s fiancée approached Alinejad, tearfully apologizing. Alinejad remarked later that she informed the woman that her fight transcended her personal battle; it was about advocating for all Americans.
Speaking outside a Manhattan courthouse, Alinejad cautioned against adopting the violent methods used to silence dissent in Iran in American society. Brandishing a tablet with images of Iranians killed in protests, she implored Americans to remain vigilant against the regime’s influence.
She also urged stronger actions against Iran’s leadership from President Trump, drawing a comparison to the recent apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a U.S. military operation related to drug charges.
“The removal of terrorists is not a tragedy. It is a sign of justice,” Alinejad added, clarifying that she does not advocate for bombing Iran but desires the removal of its leadership.
There have been claims by U.S. officials that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps is involved in multiple schemes to kill Alinejad, as well as a plan targeting President Trump—a claim that Tehran denies.
Alinejad, who defected from Iran in 2009 amid a controversial presidential election, became a U.S. citizen in 2019. She gained prominence for her campaign encouraging Iranian women to defy the regime’s mandated headscarf laws and has since evolved into a global advocate for women’s rights.
Previously, two men were sentenced to 25 years in prison for plotting to kidnap and murder Alinejad in 2022, with prosecutors stating that Iran had placed a $500,000 bounty on her head.
