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British couple describe grim reality of life in Evin prison
Lindsay Foreman and Craig Bennett, a British couple detained in Iran's Evin prison since January 2025, have spoken publicly for the first time about their ordeal, describing conditions as harsh and their prospects as bleak.
Arrest and charges
The pair, both in their early 50s, were arrested on espionage charges while on a round-the-world motorcycle trip. They vehemently deny the allegations, which carry a 10-year prison sentence handed down in February. Lindsay, a life coach, and Craig, her husband, had entered Iran from Armenia intending to stay only a few days.
Lindsay told reporters that their questioning of locals about what constitutes a "good life"-part of research for a planned conference in Brisbane-appears to have drawn suspicion from Iranian authorities. Despite being aware of UK government travel warnings, they had assessed the risks as low for innocent tourists.
Prison conditions and mental toll
Lindsay and Craig are held in separate cells within Evin prison, notorious for housing political prisoners. Conversations with their son, Joe Bennett, are conducted via monitored payphones, with calls frequently interrupted by recordings in Farsi stating the call originates from a prisoner.
Lindsay, who has a doctorate in positive psychology, says she copes by reading, walking laps in the prison yard, and practicing yoga when possible. However, she admits to struggling with the realization they may remain incarcerated for years. "I'm dealing with the fact we're likely to be here a long time," she said, her voice breaking during the call.
Craig, held with other foreign nationals, described conditions as unsanitary, with no access to healthcare or dental services. Violence among inmates is common, and homemade weapons are a constant threat. "It's not very hygienic. You have to stay clear of fights," he said.
Recent war and ongoing trauma
The couple endured the recent Israel-US conflict with Iran, which heightened tensions around the prison. Lindsay recounted a bombing so close to Evin that it shattered windows while she was on the phone with her son. "I was on the call with Joe when one hit so near the windows popped out," she said.
A fragile ceasefire has since reduced immediate dangers, but the psychological toll remains. Lindsay fears running out of books from the prison library, her current source of solace. Consular visits have been suspended since the British embassy in Tehran closed temporarily during the war.
Calls for government action
Both Lindsay and Craig appealed directly to the UK government to intervene. "Just take action. Speak out. Get us out," Craig urged. The Foreign Office has previously described their detention as "appalling" and "unjustifiable."
Joe Bennett, their son, facilitated the calls, describing them as a "lifeline" despite the poor connection and monitoring. "It's very frustrating, but these calls are all we have," he said.
Comparisons to other detainees
The couple acknowledged that many Iranians face far harsher conditions. Lindsay shared a cell with a woman sentenced to death for her role in January's nationwide protests, which the regime suppressed violently, killing thousands. "When I look at my position, I think, 'Thank God I didn't grow up here,'" she said.
Craig reported that four of his cellmates have been executed since his transfer to Evin last summer. "I know they've been executed because they publicise it on TV the next day," he said.
Hope amid despair
Despite the grim circumstances, the couple clings to hope. "We can do this. We will get through it together," Craig reassured Lindsay during the call. Both expressed gratitude for the support of fellow inmates, describing them as "fabulous people" who have shown them both sides of Iran.
Lindsay, who spent 57 days in solitary confinement in Kerman before being moved to Tehran, reflected on the arbitrary nature of their detention. "It's just so unfair," she said. "We are innocent people. We have committed no offence."
