Craig and Lindsay Foreman, a British couple jailed in Iran on espionage charges, have lost their appeal against their convictions, their family has confirmed. The couple, both aged 53 from East Sussex, were sentenced to 10 years in prison in February after being found guilty of espionage, which they deny.
The Foremans were arrested in January 2025 while traveling through Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip. Their family claims they were not allowed to attend their own appeal hearing, raising questions about the fairness of the process. Lindsay Foreman's son, Joe Bennett, said: 'My mum and stepdad were not permitted to attend their own appeal hearing. We don't know if they received a proper account of what was argued on their behalf.'
Bennett also revealed that Craig Foreman has been on hunger strike for 25 days, and Lindsay Foreman for 16 days, at Tehran's Evin prison. He added that all communication between the couple has been cut off by Iranian authorities. The case has now been referred to Iran's supreme court, but the family remains in the dark about the timeline and process.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) expressed disappointment at the appeal decision and reiterated its commitment to securing the couple's safe return. An FCDO spokesperson said: 'We are disappointed by the appeal decision and will continue working to ensure that Craig and Lindsay are returned safely to the UK.' The FCDO advises against all travel to Iran due to the 'significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention.'
