Story perspectives

Man Sentenced for Plot to Assassinate Dissident Alinejad

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Carlisle Rivera was sentenced by a federal judge to 15 years in prison for his role in a plot to kill dissident Masih Alinejad.
He is the third person sentenced in this case and apologized to Alinejad and the American public.
Alinejad criticized the Iranian government for silencing dissent and linked the plot to broader repression.
U.S. officials noted Iran has increasingly targeted critics abroad and hired criminals for violence.

History

Historical Context

Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran's government intensified repression against dissenters, with over 10,000 political prisoners reported by the U.S. State Department in 1980. This pattern of state-sponsored violence continued, exemplified by the recent sentencing of Carlisle Rivera for plotting against journalist Masih Alinejad, highlighting ongoing human rights concerns and the regime's efforts to silence critics both domestically and abroad.

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Story summary

Carlisle Rivera was sentenced by a federal judge to 15 years in prison for his role in a plot to kill dissident Masih Alinejad.
He is the third person sentenced in this case and apologized to Alinejad and the American public.
Alinejad criticized the Iranian government for silencing dissent and linked the plot to broader repression.
U.S. officials noted Iran has increasingly targeted critics abroad and hired criminals for violence.

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