Craig Foreman, a British man imprisoned in Iran on spying charges, has been sentenced to an additional two years in prison for speaking to media outlets, according to his family. Foreman and his wife, Lindsay, were each handed 10-year sentences in February after being convicted of espionage, charges they both deny.
Additional Sentence Imposed Without Legal Representation
Joe Bennett, son of Lindsay Foreman, said the family received “extremely concerning reports” about the extra sentence. “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,” Bennett said. “Despite requests, he was allowed no lawyer, no translator and no opportunity to defend himself. He was told the two years had been added because he had spoken to the press.”
The couple, from East Sussex, were arrested in January 2025 while traveling through Iran during an around-the-world motorcycle trip. They are being held in Tehran’s Evin prison.
Hunger Strike Continues
Bennett revealed that Mr Foreman is on the 68th day of a hunger strike, while his wife is on her 59th day. A letter asking them to end the strike was not delivered. “We are asking, with everything we have, for them to be shown mercy and allowed to come home,” Bennett added.
In June, the family said the pair lost an appeal against their convictions and were unable to attend their appeal hearing.
UK Government Response
The family welcomed the appointment of Conservative former MP and Middle East minister Alistair Burt as the UK’s first envoy for complex consular cases. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warns all British and British-Iranian nationals not to travel to Iran due to a “significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention.”
The government previously described the couple’s 10-year sentences as “completely appalling and totally unjustifiable.” An FCDO spokesperson said the department was “urgently following up with the Iranian authorities about the reported increased sentence.” Officials continue to provide consular support and have told Iran that, if true, the increase is unacceptable.
