Before the victory of the Revolution and in the previous regime, the people of Iran would go to Qum to hear the words of the Imam and would visit him either at the Great Mosque or in the front yard of his residence. In those days individuals would come to hold private meetings with the Imam but the Imam would not hold private meetings with any of the government authorities and if a person would come in his presence, he would state to those present that, "You also be present in the meeting" and in this way he would prevent any exploitation.[1]
Avoiding holding private meeting with authorities of the Shah's regime: Ayatullah Tawassuli