American alleged target of Iranian kidnappers

Now to a dramatic alleged kidnap plot by Iran to seize an Iranian-American journalist living in the US. Masih Alinejad has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights and a critic of human rights abuses in her native Country. Prosecutors say Iranian Intelligence agents tried to lure her away from her Brooklyn home. Our Jeff Pegues spoke with Alinejad Jeff, good morning. What did she tell you?

Good morning. This activist has gotten numerous death threats over the years because of her writings and social media post. She told me that when the FBI showed her surveillance photos of her and her family, allegedly taken by Iranian Intelligence, that took the threat to a whole new level. MASIH ALINEJAD I was like, wow, so the Islamic Republic is that close to me, even here in Brooklyn. And this is the nature of the Islamic Republic, kidnapping their dissidents and executing them.

Masih Alinejad has millions of followers on social media where she post videos she receives from Iranian women defying the regime. The Department of Justice alleges Iran directed a plot to kidnap a US-based journalist and American citizen with the intention to lure our citizen back to Iran as retaliation for their freedom of expression. Alinejad confirms she is that American citizen. According to the indictment, the kidnappers plan to transport the American from New York to Venezuela, a country friendly to the Tehran regime, and from there to Iran. Prior to that plot, they allegedly attempted to induce the Americans relatives to lure her to a third country or they would extract her back to Iran. But the family members refused. Last night, Alinejad told me the Iranians have gotten used to being scared of their own government. MASIH ALINEJAD But this is the time that actually shows you that the government in Iran is scared of me. It gives me hope that the government is scared of the voice of people, because I'm the voice of people.

In recent years, Iran has become increasingly aggressive about seizing opposition journalists abroad amid tensions over its tattered nuclear deal. According to the indictment, five critics of the regime were targeted. I take it you're going to keep writing. MASIH ALINEJAD Oh, yeah, I'm not going to get-- I'm not going to give up. If they arrest me or kill me, they cannot keep the Iranian people silent who are fighting for freedom.

We have reached out to the Iranian mission at the UN for comment on these charges and so far have not heard back. One of the five people indicted is in custody. The four who remain at large could face life in prison, Gayle.

She's very brave. Thank you, great hair and a bad ass too. Thank you, Jeff.