Iranian police have detained a controversial Shi'ite cleric after clashing with his supporters outside his Tehran home.
Security officials Sunday said the demonstration's leaders and Ayatollah Mohammad Kazemeini Boroujerdi were arrested.
A crowd of about 200 people had gathered around Boroujerdi's house to call for the release of the cleric's jailed followers. They chanted religious slogans, and carried signs, including one saying they were ready to die to defend traditional religion.
Iranian officials said some of the protesters were armed with knives and acid.
Boroujerdi has previously been arrested for advocating the separation of religion and politics in the Islamic state. The cleric says he has written letters to international leaders including Pope Benedict asking for support.
Iran has an elected president and parliament, but Islamic clerics select the nation's supreme leader.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.