A British couple jailed in Iran on espionage charges have lost their appeal against lengthy prison sentences, according to family members who say the pair were denied the opportunity to attend their own hearing and remain uncertain about the legal process surrounding their case.
Craig and Lindsay Foreman, both aged 53 and originally from East Sussex, were sentenced to 10 years in prison earlier this year after being convicted of spying offences by Iranian authorities — allegations the couple strongly deny.
The case has intensified diplomatic concerns in the United Kingdom and renewed scrutiny over Iran’s treatment of foreign nationals amid ongoing warnings issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office against all travel to Iran by British and British-Iranian citizens.
Family Raises Concerns Over Appeal Process
Relatives of the couple said the appeal against their convictions has now failed, with the case reportedly moving to Iran’s supreme court system.
According to the family, Craig and Lindsay Foreman were not permitted to attend the appeal hearing, raising concerns about transparency, due process and their ability to properly understand proceedings conducted on their behalf.
Joe Bennett, son of Lindsay Foreman, said the family remains deeply concerned about the couple’s legal situation and the absence of clear communication from Iranian authorities.
“My mum, Lindsay, and stepdad, 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.”
He added that the couple had allegedly been asked to sign documents written in a language they could not understand, though they refused to do so.
The family also said they remain uncertain about how the Iranian supreme court process operates, including what submissions may be made in the couple’s name and how long proceedings could take.
British Couple Arrested During Motorcycle Journey
Craig and Lindsay Foreman were arrested in January 2025 while travelling through Iran during what relatives described as a round-the-world motorcycle journey.
Iranian authorities later accused the couple of espionage, leading to their imprisonment in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison, a facility internationally known for housing political prisoners, foreign detainees and dual nationals.
The case follows a series of previous incidents involving Western nationals detained in Iran under accusations linked to national security or espionage.
Human rights organisations and several Western governments have repeatedly criticised the Iranian judicial system over concerns regarding legal transparency, detention conditions and the use of foreign detainees in politically sensitive cases.
Hunger Strike Raises Health Concerns
The family said communication between the couple has now been completely severed by Iranian authorities.
They also revealed that Craig Foreman has entered the 25th day of a hunger strike, while Lindsay Foreman is reportedly on the 16th day of her own strike in protest against their detention and treatment.
The hunger strikes are likely to heighten concerns regarding the physical and psychological wellbeing of the couple, particularly given the limited information available about their medical condition and prison circumstances.
Relatives have called for stronger diplomatic intervention from the British government, arguing that greater pressure should be placed on Tehran to secure their release.
Calls for Greater UK Diplomatic Pressure
Joe Bennett said he recently met officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office but left the discussions frustrated by what he described as a lack of clarity regarding Britain’s diplomatic strategy.
“The dial needs to shift,” he said, suggesting the family wants a more assertive response from UK authorities.
In response, the FCDO expressed disappointment over the failed appeal and reiterated that British officials continue working to secure the couple’s safe return to the UK.
The department said Britain’s ambassador to Tehran, along with diplomats in London, has been providing consular assistance since the couple’s arrest.
According to the FCDO, this support has included prison visits and facilitating communication between the detainees and their relatives in the UK.
The statement also noted that government ministers, including Minister Falconer and the foreign secretary, had met with the family to discuss ongoing efforts surrounding the case.
The FCDO described the couple’s incarceration as “unjustified and appalling.”
Rising Concerns Over Detentions in Iran
The case of Craig and Lindsay Foreman emerges amid longstanding tensions between Iran and Western governments over the detention of foreign nationals.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office currently advises against all travel to Iran, citing what it describes as a “significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention.”
British-Iranian dual nationals and foreign visitors have repeatedly faced detention in Iran under charges related to national security, espionage or political activity.
Several international human rights groups have accused Iranian authorities of engaging in what critics describe as “hostage diplomacy,” in which foreign detainees become entangled in broader geopolitical disputes.
Iran has consistently rejected such accusations, maintaining that its judicial proceedings are conducted according to domestic law.
The Foremans’ case is expected to continue drawing international attention as diplomatic efforts intensify and concerns grow over their welfare inside Evin Prison.
With the legal process now reportedly moving to Iran’s supreme court, uncertainty remains over the couple’s future, the possibility of further appeals and whether diplomatic negotiations could ultimately influence the outcome of the case.