“Because their (Dr. Kamiar and Dr. Arash Alaeiprofessional) work involved collaboration with American colleagues and participation in international scientific and medical conferences held in the United States, the brothers were persecuted by the Iranian government who accused them of involvement in an American plot to undermine the Iranian government; they were arrested, tortured, convicted for “cooperating with an enemy government” after an unfair trial in a Revolutionary Court, and served several years in prison. After a sustained campaign on their behalf led by Physicians for Human Rights, Amnesty International, and other partners, the brothers were released from prison. They are currently unable to carry out their important work in their native country. Undeterred, they continue to work on the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS among marginalized and persecuted populations around the world.
Also speaking will be Bani Dugal,Principal Representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations. The Baha’i community faces systemic persecution by the Iranian authorities.
Participants will learn about actions they can take.
Event time: 1pm”
Arash Alaei, whose work on HIV treatment won world recognition, was jailed in 2008 for attending US conferences.
The Alaei brothers have spoken kindly and sadly about the plight of their Baha’i cell mates who are still in prison in Iran.
“[ comment ]I spent two and half years of my life unjustly imprisoned in Iran. I’m fortunate I was released in the fall of 2010. But for my former cellmates, members of Iran’s imprisoned Bahá’í leadership group, freedom has proved elusive.
When people of science offer their wisdom for the betterment of humanity, people of good will must embrace them and stand by their side. Unfortunately there is always the Star Wars of forces of Darkness and forces of Light. The question of which conquers the other depends on each of us bringing the candle of our hearts closer to the light and let there be more light.
I believe the gathering in Chicago is asking of all to come and bring their candles to take with them back a bright light in defense of those who are locked up in the dark pits of the prisons of ignorance and fear. So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole world. I mean metaphoric candles please!!
I wish it was possible for me to be there physically but I will be there in spirit.
Please share this blog with every one on your list of connection.
Keyvan
