A Brooklyn man has received a 15-year prison sentence for his involvement in a botched murder-for-hire scheme aimed at Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad, according to the Justice Department. Carlisle Rivera, also known as “Pop,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to the plot targeting Alinejad, a vocal critic of Iran’s repressive laws, particularly those mandating head coverings for women.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman, presiding over the case in the Southern District of New York, imposed the sentence on Wednesday. Alinejad, who has resided in Brooklyn, is well-known for her activism and journalism, particularly for sharing videos that highlight women’s opposition to Iran’s regulations.
The indictment of Rivera is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to address “transnational repression” — a term describing the actions authoritarian regimes take against political dissidents abroad. Prosecutors have noted that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and its intelligence agents have made multiple attempts to silence Alinejad.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Iranian officials have labeled accusations regarding their intelligence operations against Alinejad as unfounded. The case reflects ongoing tensions between Iranian authorities and activists who challenge their regime, with several individuals having faced legal consequences related to this particular conspiracy in the U.S. The commitment to holding accountable those involved in such plots signals a robust stance against international threats faced by dissidents.
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