Ali Shariati

Influential sociologist and Islamic thinker who helped organize the Freedom Movement of Iran from France. His lectures at the Hussainiyyeh Ershad in Tehran in the early 1970s shaped a generation of revolutionary youth. Advocated for a progressive, anti-imperialist Islam. Imprisoned twice under the Pahlavi regime (3.3 years total). Died under suspicious circumstances in Southampton, England on 18 June 1977 — many believe he was killed by SAVAK.