The UK government has condemned as “totally unjustifiable” a 10-year prison sentence imposed by Iranian authorities on a British couple accused of espionage while travelling through the country.
Britain’s Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, described the ruling against Lindsay and Craig Foreman as “completely appalling,” and said the UK would pursue their release “relentlessly” until they are safely returned home.
The couple, from East Sussex, were arrested in January 2025 while on a round-the-world motorcycle trip that included travel through Iran.
Iranian officials allege they collected and shared sensitive information and photographed restricted locations—claims the couple strongly deny.
According to their family and UK officials, they were ordinary tourists with no links to intelligence agencies.
They are being held at Evin Prison in Tehran.
Related News:
Nigerian Man Sentenced to Life for Brutal Murder of UK Girlfriend
UK Goes Fully Digital, Ends Physical Visa Issuance for Visitors
Ex-Oil Minister Diezani Faces UK Court Over Bribery Charges
UK to reallocate portion of foreign aid budget to defence
Nigerian Student Dies in UK, Raises Fresh Concerns Over Chronic Illnesses
Speaking to ITV News, their son, Joe Bennett, said the family was informed of the sentence last week and criticised the legal process as lacking transparency.
“My parents have now been sentenced to 10 years following a trial that lasted just three hours and in which they were not allowed to present a defence,” he said.
Ahead of the sentencing, Craig Foreman told ITV News that detention conditions were harsh, including 57 days in solitary confinement. In a brief message to the UK government, he said:
“Help. Full stop.”
The couple were due to appear in court in Tehran in the days following the sentencing.
(dpa/NAN)
About the Author
