British Couple Jailed in Iran Lose Appeal, Family Says
7 reported3 unconfirmed
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 permitted 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 couple “don’t understand the process” and that their case has now passed 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 with the appeal decision and said it continues working to secure the couple’s safe 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.
The case has now passed to Iran’s supreme court, according to the family.
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 family said.
The FCDO stated it is “disappointed by the appeal decision” and continues working for their safe return.
Open questions
The specific details of the documents the couple was asked to sign and refused.
The timeline and process for the case in Iran’s supreme court.
What pressure, if any, the UK government is applying to Tehran.
Key figures
Craig Foreman: British citizen, jailed in Iran on spying charges.
Lindsay Foreman: British citizen, jailed in Iran on spying charges.
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
