The son of a British couple held in Iran's notorious Evin Prison has revealed that his parents have been completely cut off from the outside world, with prison authorities banning them from contacting family. Lindsay and Craig Foreman, both 53 and from East Sussex, are 15 months into a 10-year sentence after being convicted of espionage in what has been described as a 'sham trial' on February 17, where they were denied legal defence.
Family Left in the Dark
Lindsay's son, Joe Bennett, 32, told the Mirror that the family is increasingly worried after the couple's phone cards were confiscated following a media interview in early May. 'During one of our last communications, Craig warned us that their calls were being revoked,' Joe said. 'They were told it would supposedly be for seven days following the media interview they gave, but we are now well beyond that period with no contact at all.'
The couple had been permitted regular calls since November 2025, which provided a lifeline for the family. 'Those calls are their only direct link to family and the outside world, so when that suddenly disappears, it creates enormous fear and uncertainty for everyone involved,' Joe added.
Previous Periods of Silence
Joe noted that while there have been intermittent periods of silence before, this is the longest stretch without communication since regular calls were established. 'Over time those calls became our reassurance that they were coping, still together and still fighting mentally. Losing that contact again after everything they have endured is incredibly difficult.'
The family is now grappling with the horrifying possibility that they may not know if their parents are alive. 'Panic, fear and uncertainty naturally kick in because your mind immediately starts imagining worst case scenarios,' Joe said. 'We have to hold onto the belief that they are OK, but without any direct contact and with very limited information coming through official channels, it becomes extremely hard emotionally to navigate.'
Conditions Inside Evin Prison
In their first interview from inside prison, Lindsay and Craig described terrifying conditions. Craig revealed that four of his cellmates had been executed, with prison officers allegedly tricking them into believing they were being taken for family visits. Lindsay broke down in tears over the 'unfair' treatment of prisoners.
Joe also disclosed that the couple had received a disheartening call from the British Ambassador to Iran, which left them distressed. 'It was mainly the tone and language used during the conversation,' Joe explained. 'There was very little optimism and it came across as quite defeatist, which is the absolute last thing either Lindsay or Craig needed psychologically after fifteen months in prison.'
Medical Concerns and Punitive Measures
Craig had been suffering from an untreated dental abscess for months but has finally had the tooth extracted. 'That was genuinely welcomed news for us because I cannot imagine the level of pain he must have been dealing with,' Joe said. However, he added that the slow access to medical treatment remains a major concern.
Joe also revealed that the couple was threatened with solitary confinement and separation from each other around the same time their calls were cut off. 'The thought that they could potentially be separated after everything they have already endured is incredibly upsetting,' he said.
Hunger Strike Threat
The couple previously went on hunger strike in November 2025 to draw attention to their plight. Joe said that while hunger strikes should be a 'last resort,' the importance of communication and seeing each other cannot be overstated. 'When communication is removed entirely and people are left feeling isolated or voiceless, it inevitably increases concern around where their mental state may end up.'
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has raised concerns about the restrictions on phone access with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is seeking agreement for officials to speak directly to the couple. An FCDO spokesperson said: 'Since Lindsay and Craig's arrest last year, Britain's Ambassador to Tehran, diplomats and officials in London have been working to provide consular assistance. This includes the ambassador visiting them in prison and facilitating calls with their family back in the UK. The Foreign Secretary last met the family on 17 March. She set out to them personally how unjustified and appalling we consider Lindsay and Craig's incarceration to be, and the action that the UK Government is taking to try and secure their release. We will continue working to ensure that Craig and Lindsay are returned safely to the UK.'
