Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad, who survived the Islamic Republic’s kidnapping and assassination plot against her, is speaking out about the brutal plan and asserts the country is ‘absolutely’ behind Hamas’ attack on Israel.
The Department of Justice says Alinejad was targeted at her New York home in an Iran-backed plot to murder the activist for speaking out against the regime’s human rights abuses, according to a previous report. Rafat Amirov, 43, of Iran, Polad Omarov, 38, of the Czech Republic and Slovenia and Khalid Mehdiyev, 24, of Yonkers, New York, were charged last January with money laundering and murder-for-hire in the incident.
"Being hated by the (barbaric) regime of Iran is a badge of honor for me, but being targeted by the Iranian government for my reporting was intense," Alinejad told FOX News Digital. "When you, as a journalist, challenge the foundations of a totalitarian regime like the Islamic Republic, they often resort to drastic measures to silence you, be it physically or mentally. They may plan to harm, kidnap, or even assassinate you and your family. Simultaneously, they launch a smear campaign against you on social media, aiming to dehumanize and discredit you. I've personally faced both. I survived a kidnapping and an assassination plot."
Alinejad, who was warned about 31 threats against her on U.S. soil, has been moving to different safe houses for almost three years and constantly faces death threats for her social media posts against the regime.
OCASIO-CORTEZ HITS NETANYAHU FOR 'SHOCKING' 2019 DECISION BANNING TLAIB, OMAR FROM VISITING ISRAEL
"The word ‘safe’ is too luxury for me and those of us who dare to criticize the Islamic Republic," she explained. "My life is upside down. I have no fear for my own life, but it is scary to see that the Islamic Republic dares to challenge the U.S. government on U.S. soil by trying to kill U.S citizens. Iranian officials (bar) 80 million people from using social media, but at the same time their cyber army inundates every post I make with negative comments, sends death threats, and spreads disinformation to cloud public perception. How ironic that the U.S. tech companies (are) allowing dictators of Iran to enjoy freedom of speech on social media to call for destroying Israel and to spread the death threats against U.S. citizens."
The activist says groups like Hamas owe their existence to Iran, which provides them with "funding, technology, tools and ideological guidance."
"Both Hamas and Hezbollah openly credit the Islamic regime for their resources," she told FOX News. "However, when western officials, such as the U.S. Secretary of State, downplay Iranian government's role, it emboldens the regime and endangers more lives, like those in Israel. Only by directly confronting and holding the responsible regime accountable can this issue be addressed. Appeasing Iran and offering them billions only fortifies their aggressive stance."
Alinejad, who said the Iranian regime is also responsible for the death of Palestinians, explained that Hamas and the Islamic Republic do not speak for the people of Iran and Palestine, who are being held "hostage" in the hands of the terrorist groups.
"The Biden administration's dealings with the Iranian regime have been disheartening," she said.
"During the onset of the Woman Life Freedom movement in Iran, triggered by the tragic death of Jina Mahsa Amini, millions called for a regime change. Yet, the Biden administration negotiated with the regime, culminating in a $6 billion payout. The Iranian regime, with a history of anti-American sentiments and actions, remains a threat not just to its citizens but globally, especially to the U.S. and Israel. Their foundational ideology is rooted in animosity towards Israel and America. The U.S. needs a definitive policy, exerting maximum pressure on Iran, supporting the Iranian people's quest for democracy and engaging with Iranian opposition instead of regime lobbyists. "
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Alinejad reiterated that a democratic Iran would "benefit not just the U.S., but the entire world."
"The Iranian populace is ready to effect monumental change, even at great personal risk," she explained. They envision an Iran that's not synonymous with terrorism but tourism, one that sends out messages of peace and friendship instead of hostility. The U.S. should endorse the Iranian people's aspirations, impose sanctions on Iranian regime officials and sever their global ties. This could pave the way for a free Iran, devoid of terror outfits like Hamas, Hezbollah and other malicious entities supported by Islamic Republic in regions like Iraq and Syria."
For more Culture, Media, Education, Opinion and channel coverage, visit foxnews.com/media
