'I refuse to be silent': Iranian activist on turning down witness protection despite threats

Iranian-American journalist and activist Masih Alinejad joins Nicolle Wallace to discuss the prisoner swap between the U.S. and Iran, as well as why she decided to not go into witness protection following threats last year.
» Subscribe to MSNBC: on.msnbc.com/SubscribeTomsnbc
Follow MSNBC Show Blogs
MaddowBlog: www.msnbc.com/maddowblog
ReidOut Blog: www.msnbc.com/reidoutblog
MSNBC delivers breaking news, in-depth analysis of politics headlines, as well as commentary and informed perspectives. Find video clips and segments from The Rachel Maddow Show, Morning Joe, The Beat with Ari Melber, Deadline: White House, The ReidOut, All In, Last Word, 11th Hour, and Alex Wagner who brings her breadth of reporting experience to MSNBC primetime. Watch “Alex Wagner Tonight” Tuesday through Friday at 9pm Eastern.
Connect with MSNBC Online
Visit msnbc.com: on.msnbc.com/Readmsnbc
Subscribe to the MSNBC Daily Newsletter: MSNBC.com/NewslettersKZbin
Find MSNBC on Facebook: on.msnbc.com/Likemsnbc
Follow MSNBC on Twitter: on.msnbc.com/Followmsnbc
Follow MSNBC on Instagram: on.msnbc.com/Instamsnbc
#Iran #Prisoner #US

[@DavidJ222]

To all the critics of this deal, I only have one question; would you feel differently if it were you, or one of your loved ones who had been held in prison in Iran for 8 years? 🤔 hmmmm

[@DavidJ222]

​@@anthonyrussano FAIL!!! That wasn't the question.

[@syncopatedfeb4770]

cia spies, what else? lol@@anthonyrussano

[@teresalegler2777]

EXACTLY!!!

[@teresalegler2777]

@@anthonyrussanoMost were journalists. Others have dual citizenship.

[@teresalegler2777]

@@anthonyrussanoMost were journalists. Others have dual citizenship.

[@bobknull7502]

NEVER FORGET that the GOP wanted to leave them there.

[@davidcohen7106]

🐻The Middle of the night Afghan withdraw without informing America's allies has let our " Allies " know that they cannot trust Joe Biden. The arming of the Taliban with $91 BILLION dollars worth of Military equipment adds to that distrust. 36 Black-hawk attack helicopters🚙 a fleet of armored Humvee's

[@davidcohen7106]

The war mongers are absolutely starved for a new war. They would do ANYTHING to make another trillion regardless of lives lost.

[@teresalegler2777]

Yep! They couldn’t care less for the hostage’s.

[@syncopatedfeb4770]

spies@@teresalegler2777

[@agr8h2o]

It would have been good to correct the misinformation. The US Government did NOT give any money to the Iranian government. Iranian money was released to a neutral 3rd party strictly for humanitarian relief to the people of Iran who are suffering greatly right now.

[@judithsullivan9703]

I've just learned this information. My comment and perceptions were wrong. I've gotten the wrong information from reporting. I've got to remember the news isn't accurate before I jump to making judgements.

[@VeronicaPrior]

Could we please remember that a) it's Iran's money that has been frozen in overseas accounts since the US imposed sanctions, b) It has been released to Qatar to be doled out to Iran for humanitarian purposes only, and c) a lot of people in Iran are currently suffering in the wake of devastating floods.

[@jacekpaszkowski2000]

You're intelligent. I'm surprised Nicolle didn't fact-check her guest. She's spreading lies. It was Iran's money that was frozen and held in South Korea and it's been sent to Qatar and it will be distributed for humanitarian aid purchases. The US Government has oversight. Nicole should Fact-Check this broad.

[@russianbluecat6865]

Thank you!!

[@jasonderijk6868]

Exactly spread the news counter misinformation!

[@patriciadassier6792]

Don’t be so naive! Iran will never follow any rules. It will continue butchering women and children in the name of Morals.

[@mikemondano3624]

Wise and measured words.

[@deonturner4714]

You are courageous and I admire you. I will say a prayer for your strength safety Sister. Stay strong Mahsa. Godspeed 🙏.

[@jacekpaszkowski2000]

It was Iran's money that was frozen and held in South Korea and it's been sent to Qatar and it will be distributed for humanitarian aid purchases. The US Government has oversight. Nicole should Fact-Check this broad.

[@richyp64]

So stunning and brave. 👏👏👏

[@cecilelaforce3686]

Fight the good fight, sister. And can't help but say I LOVE your hair!

[@peacenow4456]

It was Iranian money being held, not US tax dollars.

[@mikemondano3624]

Some seem to be thinking that if a person gets in trouble, the police can also take their money and keep it.

[@judithsullivan9703]

She's defiant with truth telling supporting women who demonstrate a government who's murdering and jailing to silence them for confronting injustice. A Hero! I'm proud to be a woman!

[@davidcohen7106]

Five Iranian citizens who were prisoners in the United States were exchanged for five American citizens who were prisoners in Iran. There is one key difference between the exchanges. The United States “released” $6 billion dollars to the Islamic Republic of Iran. This money was held up in a South Korean bank, then wired to Switzerland, then Qatar. The money may have been delivered to Iran just like the $400 billion the Obama regime gave to Iran due to the Iran Nuclear Deal.

[@davidcohen7106]

The war mongers are absolutely starved for a new war. They would do ANYTHING to make another trillion regardless of lives lost.

[@judithsullivan9703]

@@davidcohen7106 I know it's totally insane we caved in and ignored the opportunity to continue the pressure to effect change. They gave up a ton of financial rewards with implications of supporting the government who's torturing and murdering to oppress it's own citizens from peacefully demonstrating against outrageous injustices. We sold out any commitments democracy, publicly exhibiting our complete hypocrisy. America is completely broken. I wish it would embarrass them to see one woman's bravery putting it all on the line to do what our elected representatives are being paid to do.

[@russianbluecat6865]

I hear you, but the media is at it again. It only focuses on the amount of money without the details of what it is earmarked for and how it gets to Iran. It's not free money. I am truly disappointed that this guest is as clueless about the details as the rest of the media.

[@mikemondano3624]

She's not demonstrating a government. She is demonstrating the values that oppose the government.

[@thewefactor1]

I really don't need cameras when I know religion is a the heart of the matter, similar to the U.S. today.

[@mikemondano3624]

_"Religio radix malorum omnium est."_ If I were Christian, I'd suspect that religion be a satanic plot to lead people into sin.

[@Lisared023]

I thought the money was Iran's money

[@mikemondano3624]

It is.

[@jetspray3]

I understand her frustration but you goto understand these type of deals are not easy. Playing hardball these five Americans would've still be in Iranian prison. People also need to be mindful where they travel to prevent such difficult task for their government.

[@soldierofpeace1620]

Thank you for your voice

[@annsabus4632]

She's so strong

[@yolantida]

Such a brave lady!

[@ronimartel2215]

Love her....God bless...

[@cynthiamarie2107]

Witness protection doesn't really exist anyway. Keep speaking your truth. 👍👏👏👏

[@Laura-LaFauve]

If only we hadn't distablilized the government of Iran, and helped to overthrow Irans first elected president. None of this would be happening now. 😢

[@nextime3927]

🧐Find out your nation's enemies . If most of your enemies call your leader an evil, be assured that your leader is an angel. Mosadegh would have succeeded if majority Iranians had applied this rule

[@Laura-LaFauve]

Blessings on such a brave woman.

[@user-it1ek5ok7w]

She brks like beach 🐕

[@user-it1ek5ok7w]

She brks like beach 🐕

[@dominique___1980]

While I admire the passion of this Iranian woman, she also is doing more harm than good when she is so singularly focused. It illustrates how she either doesn't understand, or chooses to ignore, geopolitics. This money doesn't go directly to the Iranian government. Her disinformation negates her good.

[@OccupyMars2035]

The money Absolutely does go to the government which is forwarded to Hezbollah, houthis, islamic jihad…ect as it has today.

[@LeslieLarsen]

This is a day to rejoice that these five men are reunited with their families. To turn it into a political triad is awful. It is also a day to rejoice that the 6 billion frozen dollars will be used for Iranian humanitarian support. Trying to gain support for women of Iran and intervention of Iran government should not be done on the back of this accomplishment.

[@davidcohen7106]

Five Iranian citizens who were prisoners in the United States were exchanged for five American citizens who were prisoners in Iran. There is one key difference between the exchanges. The United States “released” $6 billion dollars to the Islamic Republic of Iran. This money was held up in a South Korean bank, then wired to Switzerland, then Qatar. The money may have been delivered to Iran just like the $400 billion the Obama regime gave to Iran due to the Iran Nuclear Deal.

[@syncopatedfeb4770]

same ole israeli troll again, lol@@davidcohen7106

[@lynnedean713]

The world needs more women like this fantastic and brave woman. She is a force to be reckoned with!

[@stevenstreets695]

God bless the women and all young people of Iran. God set them free from theocracy ( and all Americas women too)

[@SEMahlobo]

Thanks Masih. But it's important that you are safe and alive.

[@reverendbStaard]

i love Masih Alinejad.

[@iqbalkareemi5442]

love iran and iranin pepole

[@RonWinter335]

Note to self. NEVER go to Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, Russia, most countries in Africa, etc. Yeesh.

[@muddywater4505]

Or Chicago, Saint Louis, Detroit, Baltimore.

[@muddywater4505]

And California.

[@russshaber8071]

Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Oklahoma, Idaho, Wyoming, Texas, Arkansas, South Carolina, Missouri can also be included on that no travel list.

[@muddywater4505]

@@russshaber8071... how would you know? Have you ever stepped foot into the United States?

[@muddywater4505]

@@russshaber8071 I didn't think so.

[@bartjargengarblbargeler1980]

"Yes, because US prisons are mostly peaceful protests" ~ MSDNC

[@scottcharney1091]

?? What is that supposed to mean?

[@gibsuprooted2734]

🕊️🙏🏿🕊️🙏🏿⚖️🕊️🙏🏿🕊️🙏🏿

[@nextime3927]

Rise in women participation in society, high degree achievements in the last 40 years. Academics: 1% raised to 30% University enrollment: 3% to 60 %Medical professions: 2% to 35%Management: 1% to 30%

[@Amir-sn6uk]

❤

[@tomcassidy2525]

Mrs Ivanka's Saudi $ ...... from trump messing with Iran ?

[@muddywater4505]

Trump is still making the Europeans cry 😢

[@tomcassidy2525]

@@muddywater4505 Mrs Ivanka's Saudi $ ...... from trump messing with Iran ? ?

[@muddywater4505]

@tomcassidy2525 Unfortunately for you , Europeans can't vote in United States elections

[@lawrenceharris4704]

@@muddywater4505 Don't give the Democrats any Ideas!

[@pakpala1]

C’mon give a credit for the little that we have done before you ask for more.. There are problems all over the world..

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

OK but let’s not forget that Masih Alinejad is literally a U.S. government employee, go ahead and look it up

[@davidcohen7106]

The war mongers are absolutely starved for a new war. They would do ANYTHING to make another trillion regardless of lives lost.

[@farahdormanesh4690]

Keep up the great work masih ❤

[@bjdefilippo447]

I wish there was enough pushback about where that money was coming from, where it's going, and the restrictions on its use. I can't tell from this interview if she doesn't know, or if she objects anyway, and, if so, specifically why.

[@denillefleming2942]

It's part of Iranian bank accounts that were frozen under US sanctions.

[@davidcohen7106]

🦆 Regular Gasoline is $6.65 for one tiny Gallon. So you drive to the store using your $6.65 a gallon of gas and when you get there all the things you drove there for are out of stock. What a waist of $6.65. At least Ukraine gets $ 340++ Billion U.S. Tax payer dollars Now 9 Billion for the Terrorists in Iran.

[@mikemondano3624]

It belongs to Iran.

[@K55365]

Activist? 😂 This woman is on the State Department's payroll.

[@OccupyMars2035]

So are you🤣🤣🤣🤣 how much is the Iranian government paying you???🤣🤣🤣

[@K55365]

@OccupyMars2035 0 dollars unfortunately

[@davidnelson3026]

Some day Iran will be free

[@bartjargengarblbargeler1980]

Two words: JuIian Assange

[@mikemondano3624]

Very brave of you. I suppose even rapists need supporters.

[@alidanger5663]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@sclogse1]

Stay out of embassies.

[@alexlifeson8946]

Now THAT is one beautiful woman 😘💕

[@mikemondano3624]

Sexist pigs need not apply. Go join your brother mullahs in Iran.

[@williamshaw5388]

I don’t care.

[@doubleseven1078]

Finally, real news again from MSNBC.

[@davidcohen7106]

You do understand that Obama and Joe Lied to us when they told us they get America out of the Middle east Wars ? Donald Trump was Stopped from removing the American Military from Syria by the war Pig Democrats and Republican in Name only republicans, Trump's generals Lied to him about the number of troops over there.

[@brendatenorio5721]

What responsibility do Iranians have to oust reigning leadership in her home country?

[@DavidJ2222]

Poor Joe and Hunter are going through some things

[@13muller9]

Unlike the sore loser with 4 criminal indictments over his bold head!!!

[@sclogse1]

Mark Meadows and Trump uber lackey Michael Caputo were altering the weekly CDC reports before Trump got them to keep Don shiny during the Covid election year. Tens of thousands needlessly died, maybe more. Most of them Magas. They thought they were safe at rallies and back home. We're nowhere done with you, Meadows.

[@doubleseven1078]

God bless and keep her - the US govt sure as h -- won't nor any like her anywhere in the world and is giving billions to her oppressors.

[@spiritualwarrior244]

This is a silly cow

[@OccupyMars2035]

Your a Iranian troll scared of the truth she speaks of🤣🤣🤣

[@tammebrown4871]

For 6 Billion Dollars??!!! We just paid a hefty ransom to our enemy.

[@sclogse1]

Not that simple. It was their money we were holding.

[@betweenlamppost]

I’m all for her to change her identity , her voice and her looks and disappear

[@OccupyMars2035]

U sound like a Iranian troll, is what she saying hurts you?🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jaygibson5057]

$6 billion to Iran $0 to Maui

[@LeslieLarsen]

This money is Iran's money - not USA money - we just had the freeze on it. The money promised to Maui is USA money and if the Congress GOP majority do their job will flow.

[@lawrenceharris4704]

@@LeslieLarsen 6 billion will buy a lot of missiles with "Death To America" written on them!

[@gyrene_asea4133]

@@LeslieLarsen You are wasting your time w/jayGson who is unable to read, or certainly comprehend the logical connections that you made. Sadly, that is common for such kopek kommandos.

[@davidcohen7106]

I would rather see the troops on our southern border protecting the country and deporting the hordes

[@jaygibson5057]

@@davidcohen7106 So you support Putin, then?

[@josephsonora3787]

I will give her 20 dollars if she will take the dare of going to Iran and telling the Iotola of Rockin' Rola that to his veiled face? 😂

[@sircasm6578]

"As an Iranian woman myself, I was persecuted more than she was growing up" ~ Brandon

[@bartjargengarblbargeler1980]

"l'm Spartacus!" ~ Joe

[@mikemondano3624]

You must regret missing all those days of school.

[@nextime3927]

She lies and lies and lies

[@sclogse1]

Gaslighting 101 degree fresh off your home printer burning a hole in the pocket of your relaxed fit wranglers?

[@hotrod9441]

The mighty Islamic Republic of Iran is a tree that cannot be uprooted.

[@nextime3927]

She needs to see a psychiatrist ASAP

[@mikemondano3624]

Psychiatrists are not agents of politics.

[@alfredoramirez-uw5ub]

Impeach Biden

[@shinebrightlikeadiamond77]

Kamala too.

[@bobknull7502]

PLEASE try.

[@13muller9]

For creating 13 million jobs or 3.4 % unemployment rate; the lowest since 1969?!!!

[@shinebrightlikeadiamond77]

@@13muller9 13 million people going back to work after he cost them their jobs with lockdowns.

[@13muller9]

@@shinebrightlikeadiamond77How about you, your grandma and the sore loser as well?!!!

[@johnmasters9768]

Fjb thousands of Americans left behind in Afghanistan billion for lran ten percent for fjb

[@kennyc6597]

How many pallets of cash did Obama send Iran?

[@augustrush7538]

These Americans should be criminally prosecuted. Prosecuted to warn others of taking such actions.

[@yademankon]

She is a gold digger..

[@OccupyMars2035]

Speaking of gold diggers how much is the Iranian government paying you??