Among the most influential political leaders from the Middle East listing in "The 500 Most Influential Muslims 2009," His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri passed away after suffering from diabetes, lung problems and other health complications. He was recognized as one of the most outspoken clerics in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Most recently, he opposed the election of President Ahmadinejad, openly criticizing the validiy of the 2009 elections. He died on 19 December 2009.