After Asahara's imprisonment and subsequent trial, Fumihiro Joyu, former Aum spokesman, became the new head of the organization. It was under his leadership that Aum changed its name to Aleph in 2000. Aleph has now about 1,500 members. Since 2000, Aleph has moved to distance itself from Aum's goals and doctrine. It redefined Asahara as "founder" rather than "Supreme Leader" and forbid the use of poa. It has apologized for its past acts of terrorism and paid reparation to the victims of the Tokyo underground sarin attack. <br /><p><br />However, Aleph's new direction has not been embraced by all of Aum's followers. Fissions between group members have begun to appear, with one faction led by Joyu and another by Tatsuko Muraoka and Asahara's biological children. Muraoka's faction reportedly follows Asahara's original teachings and continues to support the group's incarcerated former leader. It has been widely reported that the tensions have continued and it seems that a permanent split is imminent.<br /><p><br />The group has not been directly involved in any terrorist violence since 1995. However, In 2000 Aleph members were discovered gathering sensitive information on nuclear power plants. The cult hacked into classified computer networks to obtain information about nuclear facilities in Russia, Ukraine, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Also, in 2000, Russian Aum followers were allegedly planning on conducting a series of attacks against Japanese child care facilities, to try to gain Asahara's release. The Japanese Aleph Headquarters has denied any connection with this plan.<br /><p><br />Currently, Aleph is once again seeking contributions, selling publications to members, organizing seminars, conducting training and selling computers. Authorities report approximately 1,650 people in Japan and 300 in Russia still believe in Asahara's teachings. The cult holds 50 seminars a month for current and potential members. Aleph has offices all over Japan, including Tokyo, and, reportedly maintains approximately 100 safe houses throughout the country. It has been reported that at least 700 members are monk-like devotees and that mind control techniques are still part of Aleph's activities.<br /><p><br />Shoko Asahara's attorneys appealed his death sentence; a decision is expected shortly.<br />