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 convicted of espionage—charges they deny.
The Foremans were arrested in January 2025 while travelling through Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip. Their family claims they were not allowed to attend their own appeal hearing. Lindsay Foreman's son, Joe Bennett, expressed frustration, stating: '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 added that the couple had been asked to sign documents they could not read and refused. The case has now been referred to Iran's supreme court, but the family says they are in the dark about the process and timeline. Craig Foreman is reportedly on day 25 of a hunger strike, and Lindsay Foreman on day 16, at Tehran's Evin prison, with all communication between them cut off by Iranian authorities.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) expressed disappointment over the appeal decision and reiterated efforts to secure the couple's release. A 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 continues to advise against all travel to Iran due to the risk of arrest.
