The Incident of 17 Azar 1942
One of the most dramatic episodes in Masoudi’s life occurred on 17 Azar 1321 (December 8, 1942), during the period following the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran and the abdication of Reza Shah. The occupation of Iran had plunged the country into crisis: inflation, food shortages, political instability, and social unrest were rampant.
On that day, an angry mob stormed the National Assembly in protest against the government. Masoudi was among the parliamentarians attacked and was severely beaten. He nearly lost his life in the violence. The incident shook him deeply and led him to temporarily withdraw from public life.
Following the attack, Masoudi left the country and submitted his resignation letter to parliament. It was read and announced on 30 June 1943. However, the Majles ultimately decided in its session on 5 June 1944 to ignore the resignation, effectively keeping him as a member. Masoudi later withdrew his resignation and returned to politics.
This episode highlights the volatile nature of Iranian politics during World War II, when parliament was both a site of heated debates and a target of public anger.
