LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For Iranian Louisville residents like Naeim Torkian, the Feb. 28 death of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei brought on mixed emotions.
What You Need To Know
- Iranians in Kentucky said the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei brings both relief and uncertainty
- Naeim Torkian said his family in Iran faces an internet blackout but feels generally safe
- Ashcon Akrami said he dreams of one day safely visiting his homeland again
“This guy was a dictator,” Torkian said. “He was brutally killing people, killing protesters, killing political prisoners. He was a pure evil. But at the same time, we don’t know what will happen next and who’s going to replace him at this point.”
Torkian still has family living across Iran, but communication between them has been limited because of an ongoing internet blackout. He said in the few conversations they’ve had, they were confident they weren’t in harm’s way…