In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Although there is no distinct difference in Islam for the punishment of criminals, and everybody is equal in the eyes of the law, even those criminals who have donned themselves with the robe of clerics are not exempt from punishment, but we have received reports that some who oppose Islam and the clergy are trying to give the clerics a bad name through the term purging so that the way may be paved for the oppressors. Therefore, I would like you to take note of the following pieces of advice:
1. In view of the fact that the clerics themselves know one another better, it is incumbent on the first class scholars in provincial towns to organize some proven scholarly delegates in groups of three and also choose two locally trustworthy individuals and charge them with the duty of seeing to the alleged crimes perpetrated by those clothed in clergy robe or those who make public addresses in mosques, and when it has been clearly proven that they are guilty of the alleged crimes, they must be punished according to Islamic tenets under the supervision of the Islamic Revolutionary Court.
2. Nobody and no groups have the right to insult the clergy. In case of violation, the local Revolutionary Court is to prosecute and punish the perpetrators. The above reminders are aimed at combating the foreigners who are bent on attacking the esteemed clergy, or through their malicious intentions under the formula of Islam minus the clergy, they are intent on defaming the clergy, the clergy who have long been fighting against the unlawful interests of the powerful individuals. Our nation must take note of the fact that these practices have been induced by western colonial powers. Our noble people are duty bound to drive away such individuals from themselves and should these criminals attack the scholars and the clergy, they must be reported to the courts. And may peace of Allah be upon the seekers of the path of righteousness.
Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini