Craig and Lindsay Foreman, a British couple jailed in Iran on espionage charges, have lost an appeal against their convictions, their family has confirmed. The pair, both aged 53, were sentenced to 10 years in prison in February 2025 after being found guilty of espionage—charges they vehemently deny.
Background of the Case
The Foremans were arrested in January 2025 while traveling through Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle journey. Their family, based in East Sussex, has claimed they were not allowed to attend their own appeal hearing, raising concerns about the fairness of the legal process.
Family's Concerns
Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman's son, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency. "My mum and stepdad were not permitted to attend their own appeal hearing. We don't know if they received a proper account of what was argued on their behalf," Bennett said. He added that the couple had been asked to sign documents they could not read and refused, but details remain unclear. The case has now been referred to Iran's Supreme Court, but the family is uncertain about the process or timeline.
Bennett also revealed that Craig Foreman is on day 25 of a hunger strike, while Lindsay is on day 16 at Tehran's Evin prison. All communication between the couple has been cut off by Iranian authorities.
UK Government Response
Bennett met with officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Monday but left without clarity on what pressure is being applied to Tehran. In a statement, the FCDO expressed disappointment over the appeal decision and reiterated its commitment to securing the couple's safe return to the UK. "Since their arrest last year, Britain's ambassador to Tehran, diplomats and officials in London have been working to provide consular assistance. This includes the ambassador visiting them in prison and facilitating calls with their family back in the UK," the statement read.
The FCDO also noted that Minister Falconer last met the family on 18 May, and the Foreign Secretary on 17 March, both personally conveying how unjustified and appalling the UK considers the couple's incarceration, and outlining the actions being taken to secure their release.
Travel Warning
The FCDO continues to warn all British and British-Iranian nationals against traveling to Iran due to a "significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention."
