Craig and Lindsay Foreman, a British couple detained in Iran's Evin prison on espionage charges, have ended a three-month hunger strike, their son has confirmed. The couple, both aged 53, began the strike earlier this year to protest their treatment and conditions in the notorious Tehran jail, where they have been held since January 2025.
Background of detention
The Foremans were arrested while traveling through Iran on a motorcycle journey from Europe to Australia. They were sentenced to ten years in prison in January 2025 on suspicion of espionage. Their son, Joe Bennett, speaking to the BBC, said the couple ended their protest on Saturday with a five-day water fast, joined by family and other prisoners in a show of solidarity.
Son's statement
Bennett described the strike as a "cry for help" and an act of defiance, noting it was their "only agency to rebel." He expressed relief that the strike ended, as the family had been "begging" them to stop due to health concerns. Lindsay Foreman was hospitalized with low blood sugar during the protest, according to Bennett.
Impact and next steps
The family has had no direct calls with the couple for nearly three months, making the ordeal harder. Bennett hopes to discuss the case with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, having already spoken with UK envoy Alistair Burt and Middle East minister Stephen Doughty.
