In recognition of World AIDS Day 2010, the World Youth Movement for Democracy and its allies call for the immediate release of Tian Xi of China and Maxim Popov of Uzbekistan who are currently in detention for their selfless dedication to educate their communities about HIV/AIDS.

Tian Xi was infected with HIV in 1996 upon receiving a blood transmission in a Xincai county hospital. After learning of his infection at a free medical clinic in 2004, Tian Xi has gone about his country of China. He is currently being held while awaiting trial, the date of which has not been set. He could be sentenced to a year in prison, or up to three years of house arrest with observation.

Maxim Popov is a psychologist and author of “HIV and AIDS Today.” He is the leader of Izis, an NGO famous for work with drug addicts and commercial sex workers. With the support of UNICEF and PSI Central Asia, Popov published a book which explained how to prevent STD transmission. He is reportedly being held in prison on three different charges, one of which is the publication of the book and distribution of information on stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The Youth Movement calls on its members and other youth leaders from the various parts of the globe to support this petition.  Let us use our signatures to reverberate the call to uphold the rights of youth political prisoners like Tian Xi and Maxim Popov.

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