Nation marks Imam Khomeini’s demise anniversary

Iranian people, in millions, have marked the 29th anniversary of the passing away of the beloved founder of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini.

Coinciding with the Night of Power, or Laylat al-Qadr, people commemorated the late leader, whose guidance and steadfastness vis-à-vis the despotic regime of the Iranian toppled king, brought the nation freedom and independence.

People gathered in the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini in Tehran, with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei delivering a speech.

More than 300 foreign correspondents covered the event.

Also last night, people from all walks of life convened in mosques across the country to pray the entire night, on the most blessed annual occasion, according to verses from the holy Quran.

Hailed as one of the most influential figures in modern history, late Imam Khomeini led popular protests against Iran's former Pahlavi regime which was a key ally of the United States.

Imam Khomeini spent many years in exile in Iraq, Turkey and France, from where he led a swelling grassroots movement which ultimately put an end to millennia of monarchical rule in Iran in February 1979.

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