New York court convicts two of plotting to assassinate Iranian-American journalist

Two purported mobsters have been convicted of plotting to assassinate Iranian American journalist Masih Alinejad at her home in New York City in a murder-for-hire scheme that prosecutors say was financed by Iran’s government.

The verdict was returned at a federal court in New York yesterday, ending a two-week trial that featured dramatic testimony from a hired gunman and Alinejad, an author, activist and contributor to Voice of America.

Alinejad, who was not in court, tells The Associated Press she cried when she learned of the verdict.

“I am relieved that after nearly three years, the men who plotted to kill me have been found guilty. But make no mistake, the real masterminds of this crime are still in power in Iran,” she says. “Right now I am bombarded with emotions. I have cried. I have laughed. I have even danced.”

Alinejad calls the verdict “a powerful gift from the American government” to the people of Iran because it shows that justice is beginning to be served.

Acting US Attorney Matthew Podolsky says in a statement that the verdicts send a message that “if you target US citizens, we will find you, no matter where you are, and bring you to justice.”

Leslie R. Backschies, who heads the FBI’s New York office, says the verdicts show that the “Iranian government’s shameless conduct and attempt to violate our laws and assassinate a critic of their human rights atrocities will not be tolerated.”