British couple Lindsay and Craig Foreman, both 53, were arrested in Iran in January 2025 during a round-the-world motorcycle trip [1, 2]. They were convicted of espionage and sentenced to 10 years in prison the following month [1, 2].
The Foremans lost their appeal against the convictions in early June 2026, according to their family, but they were not allowed to attend the hearing [1, 2]. Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman’s son, said, "My mum, Lindsay, and stepdad, Craig, 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" [2]. The couple reportedly refused to sign documents in Farsi which they could not read [1, 2].
The legal team representing the Foremans describe them as innocent tourists who have faced arbitrary detention and fundamental rights violations throughout their imprisonment [1]. The couple have been held in Tehran’s Evin prison and are currently on hunger strike—Craig for 25 days and Lindsay for 16 days [1, 2]. Their son called it "a serious human rights violation," adding they are "starving themselves in protest" [1].
Since giving a BBC interview over a month ago, the couple have been prevented from calling family [1]. The case has been referred to the Supreme Court, but the family says they do not understand the legal process or timeline [1, 2].
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) described their incarceration as "unjustified and appalling" and warned British nationals against traveling to Iran [1, 2]. The UK government has been providing consular assistance including prison visits, phone calls, and diplomatic efforts. An FCDO statement said, "We are disappointed by the appeal decision and will continue working to ensure that Craig and Lindsay are returned safely to the UK" [2].
