Craig Foreman, a British man jailed in Iran on espionage charges, has been handed an additional two-year prison sentence for allegedly speaking to the media from his cell in Tehran's Evin Prison, according to his family.
Background of the Case
Craig Foreman and his wife, Lindsay, are each serving 10-year jail terms after their arrest in January 2025 while travelling through Iran on a motorcycle journey from Europe to Australia. The couple were convicted of espionage, which they both deny.
Relatives of Craig now say his sentence was extended after he spoke to the media from prison. Lindsay Foreman's son and family spokesperson, Joe Bennett, stated: "We understand he was told he was being taken to see his lawyer but was instead brought before a judge and informed of the additional sentence."
Alleged Denial of Legal Rights
Joe Bennett claimed Craig was denied a lawyer, translator, and any opportunity to defend himself. He added: "He was told the two years had been added because he had spoken to the press. We didn't think we could be any more shocked at their appalling treatment, but in this case we are absolutely flabbergasted."
The latest sentence extension came after the couple launched a hunger strike in May following the failure of an appeal. Craig stopped eating on May 9, with Lindsay joining him nine days later. They have since lost significant weight and all communication with them has been cut off by Iranian authorities, the family said.
Health Concerns and International Response
Last week, US-based human rights group HRANA reported that Craig had lost around 16kg (35lb), while Lindsay was suffering from dizziness and body tremors. The family also said a letter urging the pair to end their hunger strike never reached them, and medication and other basic supplies failed to arrive.
Joe Bennett said: "My mum and Craig are 18 months into an ordeal they should never have known. They are weak, they are hungry, and now Craig is being punished simply for being heard. To add two more years to an innocent man's sentence, in secret and with no chance to defend himself, is a flagrant abuse of the most basic rights any person is owed."
Legal and Diplomatic Actions
The family's legal team said Craig's additional sentence would be included in a formal complaint submitted to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Haydee Dijkstal, a member of the Foremans' legal team, argued that the couple's detention amounts to "arbitrary detention under three of the UN Working Group's legal criteria" and lacks a legal basis, with their fundamental right to a fair trial gravely violated.
The family previously urged Iranian authorities to "show mercy" and allow the couple to return home, while also calling on the British Ambassador to Tehran, Hugo Shorter, to intervene. They had also called on the UK government to facilitate a prisoner swap involving convicted Iranian stalker Richard Jan. However, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy told Sky News last month that while "arrangements can be made of that kind," the specifics on this would not be right.
A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said it was "urgently following up with the Iranian authorities about the reported increased sentence."
