PHR learned today that the charges against the Alaei brothers include “communications with an enemy government” and seeking to overthrow the Iranian government under article 508 of Iran’s Islamic Penal Code. Speaking at a press conference, Iranian Judiciary spokesperson Ali-Reza Jamshidi claimed:

“They were linked to the CIA, backed by the US government and State Department… They recruited and trained people to work with different espionage networks to launch a velvet overthrow of the Iranian government”.

Jamshidi added that further details of the case would be forthcoming in the next two days.

Over the last week, more than 2,000 people from around the globe have contacted the Iranian Mission to the UN in New York City, demanding the Alaeis’ release. In addition 3,100 doctors, nurses and public health workers from 85 countries have signed the online petition demanding their release.

PHR, Human Rights Watch, and the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran have joined together in a press release calling on the Iranian Government to recognize the importance of the work the Drs. Alaei do in HIV/AIDS and release them to continue it.

It’s still possible to call the Iranian Mission and let their Government know it’s time to acquit and free the Alaeis. Call the mission today: +1-212-687-2020. You can have a huge impact just by saying that you want the Alaei brothers to be released: that treating AIDS is not a crime, and the world is watching.