Drs. Kamiar and Arash Alaei, pioneers of harm reduction and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in Iran, have been detained for almost a year and sentenced to prison in Tehran. The Iranian government says they used trips to AIDS conferences worldwide to foment a velvet revolution.

We say: TREATING AIDS IS NOT A CRIME.

On May 12, 2009, be a part of the Global Day of Action for the Alaeis and attend our Virtual Vigil.

Their first appeal was denied; they are on their last appeal and need worldwide support. People like you from across the globe—including Ukraine, Argentina, the US, Mexico, Russia, Argentina, Kenya, the Netherlands and Thailand—are organizing events for May 12.

Here's how you can take action on Alaei Day:

1. Attend our Virtual Vigil: On May 12, visit IranFreeTheDocs.org/virtual-vigil and join people from all over the world in celebrating the Alaeis' work and demanding their freedom. For those of you in New York or DC, join PHR for vigils outside the UN in New York and the Iranian Interests Section in DC – vigils which will be livestreamed online for virtual vigil participants.

2. Sign on: Sign the new petition asking Iran to drop the charges, and forward it to colleagues and friends.

3. Make A Statement: Urge your organization to make a statement calling for the Alaeis' release. A sample statement as well as addresses for Iranian policy makers can be downloaded here (Word doc). 

Check out IranFreetheDocs.org for more information and resources.

The Iranian Government's prosecution of the Drs. Alaei will have a chilling effect on the international exchange of scientific knowledge that is essential in the fight for human rights and against global epidemics like HIV/AIDS. Stand up today and demand their release.