Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - July 22, 2008
Human Rights Watch says the authorities have not disclosed why Arash Alaei and Kamyar Alaei were detained last month, or where they are being held.
The two brothers have travelled widely outside Iran, including to the US, to take part in conferences on HIV/Aids.
They were due to take part in a major meeting in Mexico next month.
Arash Alaei was scheduled to give a presentation on some of Iran's innovative HIV programmes, Human Rights Watch says.
The brothers are credited with getting the Iranian authorities to tackle the stigma of HIV infection and the disease Aids, in a country where sex, drug abuse and the disease itself are taboo subjects.
Damage to reputation
Joe Amon, Human Rights Watch's HIV/Aids programme director says Iran's work to combat the disease is internationally acclaimed, with the Alaei brothers playing an important role.
The brothers spearheaded educational campaigns among drug users and prostitutes and introduced harm reduction programmes in prisons, working closely with Iran's government and religious leaders.
Human Rights Watch says the brothers have not had legal representation and their detention was damaging Iran's reputation for tackling the Aids epidemic.
Kamyar Alaei is registered as a post-graduate at the University of Albany in the US.
In recent years Iran has arrested a number of academics who have ties with the US, its main global enemy.
080722
BB080711
Copyright © 2008 - BBC. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BBC.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.