After the Imam was freed from prison of the Shah's regime, the 'Ittila'at' daily wrote an editorial claiming that the clergy had come to an understanding with the government. The Imam gave a resounding and strident speech denying the claim. The Shah's regime sent Colonel Mowlavi, the head of 'Savak' secret police of Tehran to deliver an apology to the Imam. He wanted that the meeting to be personal but considering that it was not the style of the Imam to meet any of the political personalities whether government or others in private, he ordered that some individuals be present in the room where the meeting was to take place. A few individuals including myself were present at the meeting. Mawlawi started to speak and to apologize for the mistake and while tendering apology, he uttered a sentence that seemed insulting. He said: "O' Imam, do not give us a chance to put in to action our military duties." Suddenly, the Imam responded angrily and while pointing his own index finger at his chest stated: "I too am a soldier of Islam. Do not give us a chance to put into practice our military duties."[1]
[1]I too am a soldier of Islam: Ayatullah Tawassuli