Historische Organisatie
Abadan community
Hundreds of people died after the cinema was set on fire and exits were obstructed, making it one of the revolution's worst tragedies.
Funerals and public grief intensified hostility toward the state in a major oil-industry city.
The regime and opposition blamed one another; uncertainty over responsibility became part of the political struggle.
Many revolution supporters believed the authorities were responsible or complicit, further weakening the monarchy's legitimacy.
