Dr. Kamiar Alaei and Dr. Arash Alaei, former prisoners of conscience in Iran, speak about their persecution and perseverance. Amnesty International group 50 and the Chicago-area Baha'i Spiritual Assemblies are hosting an event highlighting the dire human rights situation in Iran. The Alaei brothers are compassionate physicians and are internationally renowned experts in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. They were instrumental in establishing innovative and humane public health programs in Iran. The brothers have dedicated their lives to helping some of the most marginalized and stigmatized groups in Iranian society HIV-infected drug users, sex workers, LGBT individuals and prison inmates. The World Health Organization considered their programs as models for the entire Middle East and North Africa. Their hard work brought rare favorable world attention to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Because their professional 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 Bah·'Ì 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 to advocate for human rights in Iran. There will be music by Alessandro Giua and Bahaíis House of Worship Choir, under the direction of Van Gilmer. This event is also co-sponsored by United4Iran, Middle Eastern Law Students Association (MELSA), John Marshall Law School, the Iranian American Bar Association, Chicago Chapter John Marshall Chapter of Amnesty International and the Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh Leadership Fund at Northeastern Illinois University.
Location: The Bahaíi House of Worship, Foundation Hall 100 Linden Ave, Wilmette