Sign here to show your support for the Iranian biologist and conservationist Niloufar Bayani, who has been imprisoned for her research on the asiatic cheetah. 

–––

Niloufar Bayani – Iranian biologist and conservationist – was wrongfully arrested in January 2018 alongside eight colleagues while conducting field work for a wildlife conservation project that aims to save the endangered Asiatic cheetah. In 2019 she was sentenced to ten years in prison. By imprisoning researchers for doing their work, the Islamic Republic of Iran limits academic freedom. This is a serious human rights violation. 

Niloufar and three of her colleagues face charges of “sowing corruption on earth”, which can carry death penalty. This charge is based on a claim that the conservationists were “seeking proximity to military sites with the cover of the environmental projects and obtaining military information from them”.  
The conservationists were using camera traps – devices that allow them to monitor wildlife over long periods of time – the use of these camera traps was used against them when they were arrested. 

The asiatic cheetah is a critically endangered cheetah subspecies currently only surviving in Iran. The asiatic cheetah is critically endangered and its estimated that there is only 30 to 40 individuals left in the country. The asiatic cheetah is critically endangered and needs the help of conservationist like Niloufar to survive.
 
Niloufar Bayani is kept in Evin Prison in Tehran, together with many other intellectuals and scholars. The prison is known for forcing confession through torture and frequent use of solitary confinement. In letters from Niolufar, published by Persian BBC, she describes how she has been tortured threatened in the prison. 
 
Despite her suffering Niloufar has shown tremendous resilience, by continuing her work on climate change, while being imprisoned. In June 2023, a manuscript written by Bayani was published by SAR. The manuscript is combined of reflections and interviews with fellow prisoners on climate change. In the last part of the manuscript, Niloufar expresses hope for a better world, both in terms of the situation in Iran and in regards to the environment. 

By signing this petition you're allowing us to use your name in sending a letter of support for Bayani to the Iranian government and other political actors.