Alleged Iran plot leads lawmakers to launch bill to protect US citizens
In light of the recent arrest of two foreign nationals who were caught attempting to murder a U.S. journalist on behalf of the Iranian government, a bipartisan group of senators has introduced a new bill aimed at increasing penalties for individuals who commit crimes in the U.S. on behalf of foreign countries.
The proposed legislation, known as the Deterring External Threats and Ensuring Robust Responses to Egregious and Nefarious Criminal Endeavors (DETERRENCE) Act, was put forward by Sens. Elissa Slotkin, Jim Banks, Joni Ernst, and Maggie Hassan. The bill seeks to toughen penalties for a range of offenses, including murder-for-hire schemes, attempted murder or assassination of federal officials, and stalking or attempted kidnapping in the name of foreign governments.
Under the DETERRENCE Act, individuals convicted of these crimes could face up to 10 additional years in prison. The goal of the bill is to send a strong message that the U.S. takes national security threats seriously and will hold accountable those who seek to harm the country or its citizens.
The need for such legislation was underscored by a recent case in which two foreigners were charged with plotting to kill Iranian-born U.S. journalist Masih Alinejad. According to prosecutors, the suspects, who were allegedly hired by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, were members of the Russian mob. Alinejad, who has been vocal in her criticism of the Iranian government, expressed gratitude for the efforts to keep her safe from harm.
Sen. Ernst emphasized the importance of preventing foreign adversaries from carrying out crimes on American soil, while Sen. Hassan stressed the need for Congress to pass the DETERRENCE Act as a deterrent to those who would seek to harm U.S. interests.
The proposed legislation comes in the wake of another reported murder-for-hire plot involving an ex-Indian intelligence officer who allegedly planned to kill a U.S. citizen in New York. The indictment, which linked the suspect to the Indian government, highlighted the ongoing threat posed by foreign actors seeking to commit crimes within the U.S.
In conclusion, the DETERRENCE Act represents a crucial step in strengthening the nation’s defenses against foreign threats and sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. By increasing penalties for these offenses, lawmakers hope to deter individuals and governments from engaging in criminal activities that put American lives at risk.
