Mahmoud Taleghani

Liberal Shia cleric who co-founded the Freedom Movement of Iran alongside Mehdi Bazargan and Yadollah Sahabi. Imprisoned multiple times (4 arrests, over 11 years total) under the Pahlavi regime. Served in the provisional government after the 1979 revolution. Known for progressive interpretations of Islam and support for democratic governance. In August 1979, he was the highest vote-getter in Tehran Province in the election for the Assembly of Experts for the Constitution, receiving over 2 million votes. He died on 9 September 1979, during the assembly's sessions, removing a key moderate voice from the constitutional debates.