According to the attached AFP report, clashes in which "dozens of people were injured and 500" arrested erupted in Mobarakeh between the police and an angry crowd (22 July 1993). The clash took place after "religious leaders rejected the claim by an elderly woman [Soghra Iranpur] that her house in [Mobarakeh] had special healing powers" (ibid.). The report explains that the gathering of
hundreds of people ... at her house asking her to perform miracles, promot[ed] high-ranking clergymen from the nearby city of Isfahan to denounce her and "elements that seek to weaken legitimate religious beliefs" on national television (ibid.).

Quoting an Iranian opposition group, this AFP report estimates the number of people involved in the clash at 6,000 (ibid.).

Another AFP report states that security forces bulldozed the house after suppressing a riot caused when Isfahani clergymen rejected Soghra Iranpur's claim (24 July 1993). The report quotes Mobarakeh's chief clergyman as stating that the riot caused "great damage and those responsible will not be forgiven, even if they repent" (ibid.). It also states that there was "no word on the fate of" Soghra Iranpur (ibid.).

The attached APS Diplomat Recorder article also reports the above-mentioned riot.

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.

Agence France Presse (AFP). 24 July 1993. "Police Bulldoze 'Miracle' House in Central Iran." (NEXIS)

. 22 July 1993. "Dozens Injured, 500 Arrested in 'Miracle' Riot." (NEXIS)

APS Diplomat Recorder [Foster City]. 24 July 1993. "Iran - July 22 - Many Arrested in 'Miracle' Riot." (NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AFP). 24 July 1993. "Police Bulldoze 'Miracle' House in Central Iran." (NEXIS)

. 22 July 1993. "Dozens Injured, 500 Arrested in 'Miracle' Riot." (NEXIS)