An Iranian Revolutionary Guard official has been accused of conspiring to assassinate an Iranian-American human rights activist in New York City.
In 2017, the US government labeled the IRGC as a worldwide terrorist organization.
An Iranian member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has been charged with plotting to assassinate Masih Alinejad, an Iranian American human rights activist, in the United States.
Ruhollah Bazghandi and three other individuals are accused of participating in a "murder-for-hire" scheme, as well as charges of money laundering and sanctions evasion.
An Iranian opposition activist and journalist residing in New York City has been named as the intended target of an unsealed indictment, according to Alinejad's confirmation to The Associated Press and The New York Times.
The Revolutionary Guard's counterintelligence department was previously led by Brigadier General Bazghandi, who is now described in court papers.
In 2017, the US government classified the IRGC as a global terrorist organization, citing its role in supporting Iran's international terrorist activities.
In April 2023, the Office of Foreign Assets Control stated that Bazghandi was involved in assassination plans against journalists, Israeli citizens, and others considered enemies of Iran, as well as his participation in the detention of foreign prisoners held in Iran and involvement in operations in Syria by the Revolutionary Guard's counterintelligence department, according to the indictment.
Federal prosecutors charged seven other individuals.
"The Attorney General, Merrick B. Garland, stated that the U.S. will not tolerate any attempts by an authoritarian regime like Iran to infringe on the fundamental rights of Americans. Three of the defendants involved in the plot have been apprehended and are currently in U.S. custody. The U.S. will continue to work tirelessly to identify, locate, and bring to justice all those who pose a threat to the safety of American citizens."
Bazghandi is not in custody.
Alinejad fled Iran following the country's disputed 2009 presidential election.
Alinejad stated to The New York Times that she was "more resolute in amplifying the voices of Iranian citizens, particularly women, who confront the same oppressors within their nation."
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