Prior to his presidency, he was the minister of foreign affairs in the interim government. He has resided for many years in France. At age 85, Banisadr is currently the oldest living former President. On June 21, 1981, the Iranian parliament impeached Banisadr, citing incompetence and alleged collaboration with opposition groups. After a short period in hiding, he fled to France, where he lived in exile for the remainder of his life. In exile, he continued to write and speak about politics, democracy, and human rights.
Banisadr is remembered as a reformist and a moderate voice in the early years of the Islamic Republic. His struggle highlights the tension between democratic ideals and clerical authority in post-revolutionary. His writings and memoirs provide a unique perspective on the Revolution, the Iraq War, and the complexities of governance in a theocratic system. Abolhassan Banisadr passed away on October 9, 2021, in France, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual engagement, political courage, and advocacy for democracy.
