The great leader of the Islamic world strongly condemned the certain bill which intended to give immunity and immunity to foreigners especially the US authorities inside Iran.
Under the bill, Iranian judiciary was unable to prosecute those US officials or citizens who committed crimes inside the Iranian soil.
The series of so-called "reform" measures which were promulgated by the Shah on January 26, 1963 (Bahman 6, 1341 AHS) in compliance with the orders of the Americans (in the framework of Kennedy"s "Alliance for Progress" plan) and were collectively designated the "White Revolution," were not only ineffective, but also in many ways destroyed the economic basis of the country. At the same time, the movement which began under the leadership of Imam Khomeini (upon whom be peace) alarmed America who realized that this movement would lead to continuous, bloody revolution against the United States and its protégé, the regime in Iran.
These two facts prompted the US administration"s decision to revive the Capitulation Bill and establish "consular judicial rights" in Iran so that US personnel could, with peace of mind, directly protect the Shah"s throne and their interests in this part of the world.
The bill known as capitulation was supported and passed by the then Shah regime and its rubber stamped assembly and senate in 1960s. According to law the foreigners especially the Americans were supposed to have immunity if they commit a crime or undertake illegal practice during their stay in Iran.
Imam strongly opposed the law and warned of its consequences which violated the Iranian sovereignty. The great leader sounded alarms against the bill, saying it also disrespects the Iranian dignity and grandeur.
Imam delivered a historic speech among religious and political elites against the bill in the holy city of Qom and detailed the conspiracies were being hatched by the dictatorial regime of Shah against the masses.
The great leader also warned that the US government wanted to install its military advisors and take over all institutions and industry inside the country. Imam called it a great and unprecedented conspiracy against Iran and Islam.
He called on the general public to confront these types of plots and conspiracies in order to gain independence and sovereignty.
Imam also called on all religious and civil figures to raise awareness about dangers of this law among the general public.
Shah regime had mobilized all his forces to launch a violent crackdown on the religious, political and civil leaders. The demonstrations and protest rallies were brutally broken up in Tehran, Qom and several other cities across the country.
Shah regime also waged an all-out propaganda and a smear campaign against Imam and arrested him along with several family members. They were shifted to Mehrabad airport and from there were sent to exile in Turkey.
By this desperate action, Shah wanted to curb the ongoing Islamic uprising by iron fist. However, Imam monitored the Islamic movement from Turkey, Iraq and France during tough years of exile.
Imam’s messages and personality was becoming popular among the masses and he emerged as a symbol of resistance against colonial power. He also became a symbol of hope for all Muslim and oppressed nations across the globe.
Several analysts believe that the immunity bill was a great mistake and blunder on the part of Shah Regime. The Iranian nation succeeded to overthrow the western-backed regime of Shah under the wise leadership of Imam Khomeini in 1979.
Imam set up a strong and independent Islamic-democratic system which brought prosperity, promoted religious and moral values and escalated the process of integration among all Iranian groups.