British Couple's Desperate Hunger Strike in Iranian Prison
A British couple from East Sussex detained in Iran since January have begun a hunger strike in what their family describes as a desperate 'cry out for help'. Lindsay and Craig Foreman, both in their 50s, are being held in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison on espionage charges they strongly deny.
'Not Eating Was The Only Power She's Got'
Their son, Joe Bennett, revealed the dramatic development after a rare seven-and-a-half minute phone call with his mother on Tuesday. Ms Foreman told him that 'not eating was the only power she's got' in their increasingly desperate situation. Mr Bennett has only been able to speak to his mother three times since her arrest nearly ten months ago.
The couple were on a motorcycle tour around the world when Iranian authorities detained them in January. They had entered Iran with valid visas, a licensed guide and a pre-approved itinerary, documenting their journey through cities including Tabriz, Tehran and Isfahan on social media.
Diplomatic Stalemate Leaves Family Frustrated
Mr Bennett expressed deep concern about the UK government's approach, saying his parents feel 'lost and let down by the government here as well as the authorities in Iran'. The family met Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper in October but described the government's response as 'deeply concerning'.
'Right now, it feels like each side is waiting for the other to move first,' Mr Bennett stated. 'The British are waiting for a sentence before acting. The Iranians are deciding what sentence to hand down. And in the middle of this diplomatic stalemate are my parents, innocent people caught between two systems moving too slowly.'
The couple appeared in court last month, but Ms Foreman reported the appearance 'had not gone well'. They have been told to expect a verdict rather than another court date.
A Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: 'We are deeply concerned by reports that Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been charged with espionage in Iran.' They confirmed the FCDO continues to raise the case directly with Iranian authorities and provides consular assistance.
The FCDO maintains its warning against all travel to Iran for British nationals due to the 'significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention'.
