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British couple imprisoned in Iran issue desperate plea
Craig and Lindsay Foreman, jailed in Tehran on espionage charges, say they feel abandoned by the UK government as conflict escalates around their prison.
First public statement since war began
The Foremans, arrested in January 2025 during a global motorbike trip, released a recorded message via their son, Joe Bennett, marking their first public words since the conflict erupted on 28 February.
Speaking from Evin prison, Craig Foreman called the charges against them "fabricated" and demanded the UK government publicly affirm their innocence. "We are not spies. The charges are simply not true," he said.
Conditions deteriorate as conflict nears
The couple, both 53 and from East Sussex, were transferred to Evin prison last summer-a facility known for housing political detainees like Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. They now face worsening conditions amid nearby airstrikes.
Bennett described their cells as overcrowded, with metal bunks lacking mattresses, scarce food supplies, and no medical care. Explosions from US-Israeli bombardment have sent shockwaves through the prison, heightening their fear.
Family accuses UK of inaction
The Foremans were not informed when British embassy staff evacuated Iran last month. "My mum is in pieces," Bennett said. "She feels completely abandoned by her own government."
He criticized ministers for refusing to publicly declare the couple innocent, calling their detention "arbitrary." Despite a 10-year sentence handed down last month, the Foreign Office has not outlined a concrete strategy for their release.
"While France and Germany have secured the release of their citizens through assertive intervention, the UK remains trapped in a wait-and-see approach that has already cost my parents nearly 15 months of their lives."
Joe Bennett, son of Craig and Lindsay Foreman
Government response
A Foreign Office spokesperson called the sentences "completely appalling and totally unjustifiable," vowing to "pursue this case relentlessly." Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met Bennett last week but offered no clear timeline for action.
Background: A journey cut short
The Foremans entered Iran in January 2025 with valid visas and a pre-approved itinerary, despite UK travel warnings citing risks of arbitrary detention. Their "once-in-a-lifetime" motorbike trip from Europe to Australia was intended to last only days in Iran.
Lindsay Foreman, a life coach, had been documenting conversations about living meaningfully along their route. Their trial, described by the family as a "sham," resulted in 10-year sentences.
