Question

the red guards carried out the cultural revolution by protecting old customs against new reforms. persecuting intellectuals and government officials. freeing thousands of people from reeducation camps. recruiting supporters of capitalistic policies.

Explanation:

During the Chinese Cultural Revolution, the Red Guards targeted intellectuals, perceived "bourgeois" elements, and government officials they deemed opposed to the movement's goals, engaging in persecution of these groups. The other options are incorrect: they sought to dismantle old customs, not protect them; they contributed to people being sent to reeducation camps, not freeing them; and they opposed capitalist policies, not recruiting supporters for them.

Answer:

persecuting intellectuals and government officials.