The U.S. government recently charged an Iranian man, Farhad Shakeri, with plotting to kill former President Donald Trump, as reported by BBC.
This alleged plan was reportedly directed by a leader in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard who wanted Shakeri to plan Trump’s assassination before he could be elected.
The Department of Justice revealed these details on Friday when they publicly released the indictment, explaining that Shakeri is not in custody and is believed to be in Iran.
BBC explains that prosecutors in New York claim Shakeri was told by Iran’s government in September to make a plan for watching Trump and later killing him.
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Shakeri was allegedly an agent of Iran’s government, leading a network to carry out these plots.
The charges against Shakeri include working with two others, Carlisle Rivera from Brooklyn and Jonathon Loadholt from Staten Island, to kill a well-known American journalist who has openly criticized Iran. BBC noted that Rivera and Loadholt are already in custody as they wait for trial.
The unnamed journalist was reportedly promised $100,000 for the assassination, targeting her for exposing human rights abuses by Iran’s regime.
On social media, Brooklyn-based journalist Masih Alinejad shared her fear for safety, revealing that she believes the FBI arrested men involved in trying to kill her right outside her home.
She stated, “I came to America to practice my right to free speech—I don’t want to die,” as BBC highlighted.
This case also includes allegations of a broader scheme by Iran’s government to target American Jewish businesspeople and Israeli tourists abroad.
BBC shared that Shakeri and his associates face severe charges, including murder-for-hire, which could lead to a 10-year prison sentence.
Additionally, the charge of conspiracy to launder money could mean up to 20 years in prison.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx28x187rmko