Kiwi Iranian activist: Khamenei death ends ‘era of fear’ but family at risk

An Iranian-New Zealand human rights advocate says the “era of fear” is over, but relatives in Iran are still under pressure to not speak up.

Iranian state media said Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on Saturday after joint airstrikes by United States and Israel, prompting celebrations and mourning across the country.

Reza Parvizi, a human rights activist who moved to New Zealand a decade ago, told the Herald people in Iran, including his family members, were more brave now than ever before.

“The era of fear ended on February 28,” Parvizi said.

“Iranian people inside the country are saying, rather than leaving the country, it is a time for us now.

“Rather than making a chaos for the Middle East, it is an excellent opportunity for us to make Iran great again, and that will happen only if the young generation and if those brave people stay in their shelter, stay in their homes and when the time comes, Crown Prince will let them know to take back the streets.”

Human rights advocate Reza Parvizi said the "era of fear" in Iran is over. Photo / Supplied

Parvizi said the next step would likely be to restore Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose family was ousted from power in 1979, but there is still some fear from those opposed to the regime.

“My family’s under pressure to not speak up, but obviously I’m grateful that I’m living here in free society and I can speak up without a fear.”

Parvizi’s 19-year-old cousin had recently been killed for protesting against the government.

“He was not a soldier, he was not a military person, he was not a terrorist, obviously.

“He was an ordinary young man fighting for fundamental basic human rights and what I mean by fighting, just peacefully protesting on the street.”

Tehran was struck by multiple United States and Israel airstrikes.

Parvizi said he calls New Zealand home now, but he would like to go back to Iran and help where he can.

“I’ve lived here for 10 years now, I call myself a Kiwi Iranian.

“But certainly once things settle down, then I will go back to my home country.

“I’ve never visited in the past 10 years, my family, they came here, they visited me and went back.

“But apart from my family, friends, whānau and my community, I’m missing them.

“I will go back and see if I can help them, even in my professional area as well.”