British Couple Jailed in Iran Lose Appeal, Family Says
8 reported
A British couple jailed on spying charges in Iran have lost an appeal against their convictions, according to their family. Craig and Lindsay Foreman, both 53, were sentenced to 10 years in prison in February after being convicted of espionage, which they deny. The couple’s family, from East Sussex, stated they were not allowed to attend the appeal hearing. The Foremans were arrested in January 2025 while traveling through Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip. Lindsay Foreman’s son, Joe Bennett, said the pair “don’t understand the process” and that their case has now moved to Iran’s supreme court. The family also reported that Craig Foreman is on day 25 of a hunger strike and his wife on day 16 at Tehran’s Evin prison, with all communication between them cut off by Iranian authorities. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) expressed disappointment over the appeal decision and said it continues working to secure the couple’s return.
What’s reported
Craig and Lindsay Foreman, both 53, were sentenced to 10 years in prison in February on espionage charges they deny.
The couple was arrested in January 2025 while traveling through Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip.
Their family said they were not permitted to attend their own appeal hearing.
Lindsay Foreman’s son, Joe Bennett, stated the couple “don’t understand the process” and that the case has passed to Iran’s supreme court.
Craig Foreman is on day 25 of a hunger strike; Lindsay Foreman is on day 16 of hers at Evin prison.
All communication between the couple has been cut off by Iranian authorities.
The FCDO said it is “disappointed by the appeal decision” and continues working to secure their release.
The FCDO warns all British and British-Iranian nationals not to travel to Iran due to a “significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention.”
Key figures
Craig Foreman: British citizen jailed in Iran
Lindsay Foreman: British citizen jailed in Iran
Joe Bennett: Lindsay Foreman’s son
Minister Falconer: UK official who met the family on 18 May
Foreign secretary: UK official who met the family on 17 March
Sources: The Guardian
