Imam Khomeini’s migration to Paris, a flash point in revolution history

Michael Setboun, a french photographer who took rare images of Imam Khomeini

Extracted from a series of memoirs about Imam Khomeini

Reasons behind Imam Khomeini’s migration to Paris

The Iraqi army surrounded Imam Khomeini's house in the first day of Mehr 1357 (1978) in the holy city of Najaf. The Muslims in Iran, Iraq and other countries reacted angrily to this news. Iraq's manager of security organization said in a meeting to Imam Khomeini that if he wants to stay in Iraq, he should let go off the combat and politics.

What were reasons for Imam’s migration to Paris?

Shah regime failed to limit Imam Khomeini's political activities

In 1978 and while Islamic movement of Iranian people led by Imam Khomeini had reached its culmination, the Shah’s regime, disappointed at compromising with Imam Khomeini, tried some political measures to limit his activities or deport him from Iraq.

Video: What does Imam Khomeini say about journey to Allah?

Imam Khomeini's migration to Neauphle-le Chateau boosted revolution

Several pundits and political analysts maintain that Imam Khomeini’s historic migration to outskirts of the French capital Paris boosted the struggle for the Islamic Revolution against the US-backed Shah regime. Imam during his historic stay in Neauphle-le Chateau was also able to convey his message to the entire international community.