The High Cost of Service: A Case Study on HIV/AIDS Work in Iran
Dr. Kamiar Alaei and Dr. Arash Alaei
The High Cost of Service:
A Case Study on HIV/AIDS Work in Iran
Monday, April 16, 12:10 PM
Law School, Room 120
Lunch Provided
Iran has the highest proportion of drug users of any country in the world and Kermanshah is one of the most affected provinces in Iran. Drs. Kamiar and Arash Alaei, brothers and physicians from Kermanshah, have been pioneers in the response to the dual epidemics of drug use and HIV/AIDS in Iran.
In June 2008, Kamiar and Arash Alaei were arrested and held in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison for more than six months. On December 31, 2008, in a one-day, closed-door trial, the brothers were tried for conspiracy to overthrow the Iranian government and “communications with an enemy government” as well as a number of unspecified charges. Neither they nor their lawyer were allowed to know about, see evidence of, or address these charges. On January 19, 2009, the brothers were convicted, and Kamiar was sentenced to three years and Arash to six. The government used the doctors’ travel to international AIDS conferences as a basis for the chargex.
Physicians for Human Rights led a massive and successful campaign which ultimately resulted in their release. They are the recipients of the 2011 Jonathan Mann Award for Global Health and Human Rights.
Sponsored by the Orville H. Schell, Jr. Center for International Human Rights
