The Evin killings intensify opposition to SAVAK

The single-party system made the authoritarian character of the monarchy more explicit and alienated bazaar merchants, professionals and religious opponents.

Party campaigns against alleged profiteering intruded into traditional commercial networks that later financed and organized revolutionary protest.

From Najaf, he declared compulsory party membership illegitimate and urged Iranians not to cooperate with the one-party state.

Khomeini argued that forced membership violated both Islamic duty and the nation’s right to oppose tyranny.

Authorities announced that Bijan Jazani and eight others were shot while escaping; opponents believed SAVAK executed them deliberately.

All candidates belonged to Rastakhiz, demonstrating the absence of meaningful electoral competition.

The influential sociologist and Islamic revolutionary thinker died in Britain. Many supporters suspected SAVAK involvement, although the cause remains disputed.

His interpretation of Shi‘ism as a struggle against oppression connected educated youth with anti-imperialist and social-justice politics.

Khomeini’s eldest son and close assistant died suddenly. Supporters widely suspected foul play, while the precise cause remained contested.

Mourning ceremonies across Iran allowed clerics, bazaaris, nationalists and religious activists to speak Khomeini’s name publicly and rebuild networks.