by Rex Wockner
International News
Iranian authorities should immediately release or charge two physicians who are internationally recognized for their work on HIV and AIDS, Human Rights Watch said July 21.
Arash and Kamyar Alaei, who are brothers, were detained without charge by Iranian security forces in late June, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
"The authorities have not yet announced why the brothers were detained or whether or not they intend to bring any charges against them," HRW said. "Moreover, they have refused to disclose information about where the Alaei brothers are being held and have not provided them access to counsel."
For more than 20 years, the brothers have addressed problems related to drug use, with a focus on the spread of HIV, and have played a key role in putting the issues on the national health care agenda.
