Dr. Sharon Stancliff, the Medical Director of the Harm Reduction Coalition in New York City, and a friend and colleague of Kamiar and Arash, made the following statement at the New York City Vigil on May 12, 2009:

Doctors Arash and Kamiar Alaei came to New York over 5 years ago to learn from our drug treatment, harm reduction and HIV services. They tirelessly visited numerous clinics and services engaging the physicians and other service providers in discussions about patient care.

They came here to learn but they taught us as well.  The triangle model of harm reduction, drug treatment and HIV treatment is unique; it is recognized as a best practice by the World Health Organization and the brothers were surprised to learn that we have no similar services in New York.  They made strong impressions on all who came into contact with them, as their thoughtfulness and dedication to their patients was so apparent. These men have helped to bridge the gulf between Iran and the United States in developing professional relationships and friendships.

Kamiar enrolled in the doctoral program at Albany State University and we had planned to work together on an overdose prevention project so that he could bring this service back to Iran.

In addition to continuing their work in Iran they have been able to bring an Islamic perspective on HIV and substance use to other countries such as Tajikistan and Afghanistan where they have offered courses and symposia. They are world leaders in this area and I still hope someday to work with them in Islamic communities in East Africa where drug use has added to the burden of HIV.

But for now, all of this has been halted since Kamiar and Arash have been imprisoned on charges that have no bearing on the reality of their work. They have worked transparently to better the lives of people with HIV and substance use- people who are stigmatized and marginalized all over the world. Because of their work the world is a better place. We are calling on the Iranian government to free Arash and Kamiar Alaei so that they may return to their families and to their work. Colleagues and friends in 125 countries around the world join us in this call. Arash and Kamiar are our colleagues but for many of us they are our friends. It is unthinkable that they are imprisoned; it brings many of us pain daily. Please continue to speak out for Kamiar and Arash Alaei. We need these brilliant and caring physicians back among the ranks of those providing humanitarian and innovative care for people with HIV and substance abuse. They are irreplaceable.