in 1983, iran's prosecutor general once again stated that the baháʼís were not being persecuted because of their religious belief, but that instead they were spies, and that they were funnelling money outside the country. the national spiritual assembly of the baháʼís of iran, once again, addressed the issues raised by the prosecutor point by point; the letter was sent to various government agencies. the letter acknowledged that funds were being sent abroad as baháʼí contributions to the shrines and holy places, but denied all other points, and asked for proof of the charges. no response was obtained from the government to this letter. the clerics continued to persecute the baháʼís and charged the baháʼís with "crimes against god" and zionism.