Protestors call for release of AIDS doctors imprisoned in Iran

Protestors call for release of AIDS doctors imprisoned in Iran

Protestors gathered in front of the Iranian Interests Section in Washington, DC on 12 May, calling for the release of two Iranian physicians, who are being held on charges related to endangering national security.

Kamiar and Arash Alaei, two world-renowned HIV/AIDS physicians, have been held in Tehrans Evin Prison since June 2008.

Physicians for Human Rights [PHR] and a coalition of organizations in more than 16 countries held a Global Day of Action today, calling on Iran to drop the charges against the two brothers and release them immediately.
John Bradshaw, director of PHR, said that the Alaeis were arrested only for their work with the international medical community.

He told WashingtonTV: Just for doing that, for having contact with outsiders, the regime arrested them and said they were trying to overthrow the government and its really an illegitimate charge.

The doctors founded Irans non-governmental Pars Institute and formed the triangular clinical plan, in which treatment is offered for sexually-transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, and drug addiction. In November 2006, they were participants in the first US-sponsored exchange program with Iran, diplomatic ties were cut in 1979.

Bradshaw told WashingtonTV that he hoped the release of Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi this week, is an indication of improving ties between Washington and Tehran.

That will help everyone, all these human rights cases will be helped by that.

The reverend Jesse Jackson, who has played the role of human rights mediator for various American administrations in the past, and was seen walking towards the Pakistani embassy where the Iranian Interest Section is housed, told reporters he was there to express gratitude for the release of Roxanna Saberi, an American of Iranian origin who was recently released by Iran, but also to find out the next steps to secure the release of another Iranian-American imprisoned in Iran, Silva Harotonian.

7:17 We underestimate the impact of religious leaders in these countries Freedom is always bound in poverty. But by talking weve always we've always been able to tear down walls and build bridges. Thats why we tried to go to Iran to see Roxanne [and] Silva Harotonian is an issue and a concern as well, so we want to meet today and figure out what are the next steps. We celebrate her [Roxannes] release, but there is obviously more work to be done.

Protestors also gathered across the United Nations headquarters in New York, as well as in 16 countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Russia, Italy, and South Africa. In addition, participants held an online vigil.

According to PHR, the Alaeis first appeal was denied by an Iranian court in March, and they are now on their last appeal.

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