Lindsay and Craig Foreman have been in Iranian custody since January 2025. The couple were traveling by motorcycle on a global tour when they were seized by Iranian authorities and charged with espionage—charges they contend are fabricated. In February, the Revolutionary Court sentenced them to ten years in prison.
Their plea for an appeal was rejected by the court on an undisclosed basis, leaving the couple to continue a hunger strike that has now stretched on for over three weeks. Despite appeals from their families and their legal representatives, the couple have been barred from attending the hearing and have been prevented from making any outside contact since giving a BBC interview more than a month ago.
The UK’s Foreign Office expressed disappointment in the appellate decision and said it would keep working to secure the Foremans’ return to the UK. A spokesperson described the situation as “unjustified and appalling.” In the meantime, the couple’s family—particularly Lindsay’s son, Joe Bennett—have reported that Craig has refused food for 25 days, while Lindsay is on her 16th day of a hunger strike. The family emphasizes the lack of proper communication, medical care, and basic provisions such as vitamins and clothing.
Appeals have been referred to the Supreme Court, yet the family is unclear about the duration of the legal process or any forthcoming changes to the couple’s status.
In a broader context, the case echoes previous incidents involving British nationals in Iran, including the lengthy detention of Nazanin Zaghari‑Ratcliffe, who was released after a subsidy settlement between the UK and Iran. The Foreign Office’s updated travel advice warns that possessing a British passport may lead to detention.
Friends and family of the Foremans are urging embassy intervention to provide basic necessities and to negotiate for the pair’s release. They continue to express the hope that the couple can end their hunger strike for their own health and be brought home.
