Global Alaei Day NYC Vigil
Posted on Friday, May 1, 2009 at 3:49 pm by Peter Witzler
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 vigil at the UN in NYC.
What: Treating AIDS is Not a Crime Vigil
When: May 12th at 12:30pm-1pm
Where: Ralph J. Bunche Park, across from the UN (42nd St and 1st Ave). You can download a map here (pdf).
The Alaeis’ 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 Vigil: At noon on May 12, join PHR, students and activists at the Iranian Interests Section to show Iran that the Alaeis’ detention won’t be ignored. Bring your friends, spread the word to your networks and invite people through our event on Facebook. Or visit our virtual vigil page on IranFreeTheDocs.org and join people from all over the world demanding the Alaeis’ freedom, which will be streamed live on the site.
2. Sign on: Sign the Petition asking Iran to free the Alaeis and forward it on to colleagues and friends.
3. Make A Statement: Urge your organization to make a statement calling for the Alaeis’ release. You can download our sample statement here and send it to Iranian policymakers.
Contact Sarah Kalloch at PHR with any questions: skalloch [at] phrusa [dot] org.
Check out the Global Day Resources page for more information and resources. The Iranian Government’s prosecution of the Drs. Alaei has a chilling effect on the international exchange of scientific knowledge that is so essential in the fight for human rights and against global epidemics like HIV/AIDS.
Stand up today and demand their release.
