The Georgian State Security Service has begun investigating allegations of a "terrorist school."

The Georgian branch of Al-Mustafa International University has come under scrutiny by the State Security Service (SSS) following allegations of ties to terrorism after its former rector, Alireza Arafi, joined Iran's interim leadership council.

The State Security Service (SSS) of Georgia has launched an investigation into opposition allegations regarding the activities of the local branch of Al-Mustafa International University, including accusations of ties to terrorism. This follows from a statement released by the agency today. "In recent days, various individuals have publicly voiced a number of allegations regarding the recruitment of personnel by other countries in Georgia, including accusations or hints of terrorism. We are closely monitoring and studying the content of these statements, as well as the motives of their authors in accusing Georgia of such matters, especially against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities in the region," the statement read.

The SSS added that the authors of the statements had never previously provided such information to law enforcement agencies. Now the agency intends to "ask them questions" and "point out at least some concrete facts as part of the investigation."

Al-Mustafa International University is a religious education center headquartered in the Iranian city of Qom. The university specializes in Islamic studies, including theology, law, and philosophy, and has a network of branches and partner institutions in more than 50 countries, including Georgia, according to Novosti Georgia.

In 2020, the US imposed sanctions on the university, claiming that Iran is using it to promote its ideology and recruit foreigners for pro-Iranian armed groups. Tehran denies these accusations. A branch of the university has been operating in Georgia for over ten years. It offers free courses in Shia theology, Persian language, and Islamic studies, including in regions with significant Muslim populations, such as Gardabani and Marneuli.

The institution is not accredited by Georgian education authorities, but students are reportedly able to continue their studies in Iran after completing local programs. The university came into the media spotlight after reports that its former rector, religious and political figure Alireza Arafi, joined Iran's interim leadership council formed until the election of a new supreme leader.

Previously, former Defense Minister and founder of the Civil Idea organization Tina Khidasheli told TV Pirveli that "a so-called university, a school for terrorists, is operating practically illegally in Georgia, with the rector being the man declared Ali Khamenei's successor," InterPressNews reports.