Letter [to Sayyid `Abdul-Karim Mousawi Ardebili]

The Grand Ayatullah, Founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hadrat Imam Khomeini, may God prolong your glorious existence,

After greetings, may I would like to seek your Highness's opinion on the following cases:

1- The amnesty and pardon of convicts and prisoners in accordance with the constitution is only in the jurisdiction of the leader and should be carried out under special conditions. Some religious judges say that your Excellency has authorized that in cases where it is deemed advisable, amnesty can be granted and sometimes it is not written in the cases that, for instance, according to the special permission of the Imam this person should be released or pardoned and this practice causes disorder in the judiciary both in the public prosecutor's office and in courts. May I beg you to issue an order so that these permissions would not be private and be applied according to the usual procedure?

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

It is necessary to act according to the law. Individuals should not interfere in this affair.

Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini

2- To have order in judicial affairs and to avoid any exposure to accusation and ill-intention, the Supreme Judicial Council has hereinafter released a circular to the effect that honorable judges should be engaged in issues of judgment and the punishments determined by the Shari`ah and common law and leave the affairs such as religious funds and charity with the people themselves, the centers, and appointees, or they should in no way interfere in financial affairs. If your Excellency confirms this, please endorse.

3- At times, it is said that your Excellency have entrusted the right to interfere in some judicial affairs to some individuals who have no legal responsibility therein and this has undermined some responsibilities. You are kindly requested to express your opinion.

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Irresponsible individuals should not interfere and every one should act according to the law.

Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini