The family of a British couple detained in Iran on espionage charges has urged the UK government to raise their case during talks with Tehran reportedly taking place in Istanbul later this week. Joe Bennett, son of Lindsay Foreman, said the silence from British officials was "intolerable, inhumane and a stain on the duty of care" owed to citizens.
Lindsay and Craig Foreman, both 52, were arrested on 3 January in Kerman, southern Iran, while travelling from Armenia to Pakistan on a motorcycle journey to Australia. They have been held since, with the family saying they have had no direct contact and that Foreign Office promises to arrange conversations have not materialised.
Six weeks ago, the Foreign Office said it did not know the couple's whereabouts, despite earlier indications they were being transferred to Evin prison in Tehran. After Israel's bombing of Evin prison on 23 June, which killed more than 70 people, the family said they endured "unimaginable fear". Yesterday they learned the couple had been moved to a location in Tehran, but said the British government had not confirmed their safety.
The renewed calls come as the UK, France and Germany – the E3 signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal – reportedly met Iranian officials for nuclear talks in Istanbul last week, after threatening to reimpose UN sanctions. The family has asked for immediate public commitments from David Lammy and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with urgent phone calls, consular visits and medical and legal support.
Bennett said the couple had received only three consular visits, the most recent in May, and no medical or consular visits for more than 75 days. "This is no longer just a diplomatic issue. It is a humanitarian emergency," he said. "The government must act now, before it's too late."
