A British couple convicted of espionage in Iran and sentenced to 10 years in prison have lost their appeal against their convictions, their family has confirmed.
Appeal Rejected
Craig and Lindsay Foreman were handed a 10-year prison sentence in February after being found guilty of espionage, charges which they both deny. The couple's family stated they were not permitted to attend the appeal hearing, leaving them in the dark about the proceedings.
Arrest and Background
The Foremans were arrested in January 2025 while travelling through Iran during an around-the-world motorcycle trip. Their son, Joe Bennett, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and communication.
“My mum Lindsay and step-dad Craig were not permitted to attend their own appeal hearing,” Bennett said. “We don’t know if they received a proper account of what was argued on their behalf. We know they had been asked to sign documents they could not read, and they refused, but we don’t know the details.”
Hunger Strike and Isolation
The family revealed that Mr Foreman is on day 25 of a hunger strike, while Ms Foreman is on day 16. All communication between the couple and their family has been cut off by Iranian authorities.
Bennett added that he met with officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Monday but left without clarity on what pressure is being applied to Tehran. “Their appeal has failed and they don’t know why. They are on hunger strike because they have run out of ways to make their own government act,” he said.
Government Response
The FCDO warns all British and British-Iranian nationals not to travel to Iran due to a “significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention.” The UK government previously described the couple’s sentences as “completely appalling and totally unjustifiable.” The FCDO has been approached for further comment.
