British Couple's Appeal Rejected in Iran
A British couple imprisoned in Iran on espionage charges have had their appeal against a 10-year sentence denied, according to their family.
Lindsay and Craig Foreman were detained in January 2025 while transiting Iran during a round-the-world motorcycle journey.
They were accused of spying, allegations they firmly deny, and received their sentence in February. Both are currently on hunger strike at Tehran's Evin prison.
Appeal Denied Without Explanation
A member of their UK legal team informed the BBC that no explanation was provided for the appeal's rejection. Lindsay's son, Joe Bennett, stated that the couple was
"not permitted to attend their own appeal hearing".
He added:
"It is a serious human rights violation, and it is one more reason why two British citizens, with no other options left, are now starving themselves in protest."
Bennett also mentioned that his mother and stepfather were asked to sign documents in Farsi, which they could not understand, and they refused to do so.
Legal Team Statement
Barrister Haydee Dijkstal, part of their UK legal representation, said:
"Craig and Lindsay are innocent tourists who are arbitrarily detained and who have had their fundamental rights severely and consistently violated throughout their detention."
Case Progression and Family Concerns
The case has now been forwarded to the Supreme Court, according to Bennett, though the family remains unclear about the legal process and timeline ahead.
He expressed:
"It's really tough, I don't know where to turn now. I'm massively worried for them. But it's hard because I can't talk to them."
The couple have been barred from contacting their family in the UK since giving a BBC interview over a month ago. They commenced a hunger strike shortly after their communications were cut off.
Hunger Strike and Health Updates
Family members report that Craig, a carpenter, has been refusing food for 25 days. Lindsay, a life coach, briefly resumed eating but is currently on day 16 of her hunger strike.
Information about their condition comes from the families of their cellmates. Craig, who is consuming sugar, milk, and water, is reportedly becoming visibly thinner and weaker.
Bennett noted there is less information about Lindsay's condition and expressed desperation for news.
Their last consular visit occurred in December.
Official Responses and Travel Warnings
The Foreign Office, which advises against travel to Iran, has described their detention as
"unjustified and appalling".
Current guidance states:
"Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you."
Expert Commentary
Richard Ratcliffe, whose wife Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was detained in Iran for nearly six years, considers the appeal rejection a significant development.
He told the BBC:
"The Revolutionary Court is a theatre of punishment rather than a real court. So when something like this happens it's a signal from the Iranian authorities to the British government."
Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release followed the UK settling a debt worth hundreds of millions of pounds with Iran, though British officials have not confirmed a connection.
Foreign Office Commitment and Family Hopes
The Foreign Office stated it will
"continue working to ensure that Craig and Lindsay are returned safely to the UK".
Meanwhile, Bennett hopes the British embassy can visit the couple in prison and provide basic necessities such as vitamins and clothing.
He would like them to end their hunger strike for health reasons but understands their perspective that their bodies are the only means of agency they have left.
He concluded:
"The trouble is that I don't see an end to this at the moment, which is the hardest thing. We just want them home."
