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Iranian Activist Masih Alinejad‘s Would-Be Assassin ⁢Sentenced to 15 Years

for the third time, Iranian human rights ⁣activist and journalist Masih Alinejad faced one of those who attempted to harm her. Carlise Rivera was sentenced to 15‍ years in prison on January 26, ‍2026, by federal judge Lewis Liman ⁤for conspiracy to commit murder for hire and conspiracy to commit stalking with intent to kill, harass,⁤ or⁤ intimidate.

Details of‍ the Case

Rivera, 51, of Brooklyn, was arrested in November 2024 and pleaded guilty to the charges nearly a year later. ⁣According to the indictment, Rivera and another defendant, Jonathan Loadholt of Staten⁢ Island, were allegedly⁤ hired by an ⁣operative associated with the Islamic⁤ Revolutionary Guard corps (IRGC) to assassinate Alinejad for a payment ⁤of $100,000. Source: ⁢Department of Justice

Impact on Alinejad and Her ⁢Family

During the sentencing hearing, Alinejad and her husband, Kambiz Foroohar, described the profound impact these threats have had on their lives in the United States. They spoke of being forced into ⁢hiding, constantly⁢ relocating, and living in fear for their safety, which has deprived them of a normal life and the ability to fully participate in their children’s lives.⁣ Alinejad emphasized that living ⁢in constant fear has become a basic instinct for them.

“I’m just a ⁣woman,” ‍Alinejad ⁣stated. “My weapon is my voice. My weapon is my social media.”

Addressing the court, Alinejad directly‍ confronted Rivera, expressing ⁤her disbelief that she needed to look over ⁢her shoulder in the U.S. due to ⁣individuals like him. When instructed by the judge to address him indirectly,⁢ she explained her ⁤need to face him, stating, “I have to face him because I live with fear.”

Alinejad argued ⁢that these attempts on her life represent threats to all⁣ Americans and⁤ requested the maximum