UN Environment Calls on Iran to Guarantee “Fair, Transparent” Trial for Eight Conservationists

In a statement published March 5, 2019, the highest ranking agency in the United Nations on the environment has called on Iran to guarantee a fair, transparent and independent trial for eight conservationists detained there since January 2018 on trumped-up national security charges.

Following is the statement by the United Nations Environment Programme:

UN Environment continues to be concerned by the on-going detentions, and reported trials, of eight environmental workers in Iran, and has shared its concerns with the authorities in Tehran. Information we have recently received that some detainees may not have adequate access to legal counsel and representation is deeply troubling.

We urge the Iranian authorities to ensure that those detained in custody, namely; Niloufar Bayani, Taher Ghadirian, Amir Hossein Khaleghi, Houman Jowkar, Sepideh Kashani, Abdolreza Kouhpayeh, Sam Rajabi, and Morad Tahbaz, are guaranteed a fair, transparent and independent trial.

We know how much Iranians treasure their natural heritage, and we call on the government to protect the rights of all dedicated servants of the country’s unique environment, which are guaranteed by Iran’s laws and constitution.