Arrest of a Member of 'Circle of Gnosis' by IRGC Intelligence in Isfahan

Reports indicate that the intelligence forces of the IRGC in Isfahan have arrested a member of the 'Circle of Gnosis'. According to the judiciary news agency Mizan on Tuesday, August 14, the arrested individual played a role in organizing rallies and gatherings of the Circle of Gnosis as well as the 'A Like Master' campaign in Isfahan. This news agency and other media in Iran have not disclosed the identity of the arrested individual. Mizan referred to the arrested person as the 'main network leader and liaison for several provinces of this deviant sect and a communication bridge with fleeing members of the Circle of Gnosis abroad.' The Islamic Republic of Iran and security forces confront many activities of religious minorities and emerging gnosis, imposing severe restrictions on these groups. Judicial and security institutions of the Islamic Republic refer to promoters of emerging gnosis as 'deviant sects.' This is not the first time a member and supporter of the Circle of Gnosis has been arrested in Isfahan. Previously, on August 24, the IRGC in Isfahan announced that eight members and supporters of what it called the 'deviant network of the Circle of Gnosis' were arrested in Shahinshahr. In this context, last week, three thousand individuals who identified themselves as 'students' of Mohammad Ali Taheri, the founder of the 'Circle of Gnosis,' protested in an open letter against 'pressure on judges' in his case by 'security institutions.' Mohammad Ali Taheri established an institute named 'Circle of Gnosis' in 2001, engaging in activities related to 'Iranian complementary medicine, energy healing, and Scientology.' He was arrested in 2011, and the initial sentence issued for him was 'death.' In 2016, his death sentence was overturned by the Supreme Court, and the case was referred back to the Revolutionary Court for retrial; however, it remains unclear when his case will reach a conclusion.