An Iranian appeals court upheld the jail sentences for Drs. Kamiar and Arash Alaei, according to an Agence France-Presse report in Tuesday’s Qatar Tribune. The doctors’ lawyer, Massoud Shafiie, said the brothers’ three- and six-year terms were confirmed in a hurried decision on March 18. Shafiie added that the one-day court date did not allow enough time for the court to fully consider the case, sparking speculation once again that Iranian officials ignored clear evidence of the Alaeis’ innocence.

“It should have taken much longer to study in detail the arguments against the verdict. Therefore this can’t be an appropriate decision,” Shafiie said.

Fortunately, there is still hope for these renowned AIDS doctors. Shafiie intends to file another appeal to Iranian judiciary chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahrudi.

“I am somehow sure that the verdict will change,” Shafiie said.

The Drs. Kamiar and Arash Alaei were working globally to strengthen HIV/AIDS prevention and care systems in Iran when they were arrested last summer on allegations of espionage. They have been detained in Tehran’s Evin Prison since then. On May 12, activists, medical students and concerned citizens will participate in vigils and embassy visits worldwide to call for the Alaeis’ release.