According to a representative of the Iranian Association of Toronto, the Hojjatiya Society was established approximately 30 years ago by a group of clergymen and bazaaris (businessmen or merchants whose offices are located in the bazaar of Tehran) (12 Sept. 1995). The society is "reactionary, anti-progress and anti-Bahai" (ibid.). The society supports the Islamic regime and has members in both the government and the parliament; the society's activities are legal (ibid.). The representative added that the society is influential among some practising Muslims and in certain mosques (ibid).

According to a representative of the Foundation for Iranian Studies in Bethesda, Maryland, the Hojjatiya Society is a "radical" Islamic group, that is "strongly anti-Bahai" (14 Sept. 1995). The representative was unaware of the current status of the group.

The attached article refers to the presence of the Hojjatiya Society in the Iranian parliament.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Foundation for Iranian Studies, Bethesda, MA. 14 September 1995. Telephone interview with representative.

Iranian Association of Toronto. 12 September 1995. Telephone interview with representative.

Newsday [New York]. 13 April 1992. "Iran's Election Ousts Hard-liners; 'Khomeinists' Defeated at Polls; Supporters of Rafsanjani Win." (NEXIS)