The family of British national Craig Foreman has alleged that Iranian authorities have extended his prison sentence by two years after accusing him of speaking to the media from jail, raising concerns over the treatment of him and his wife, Lindsay Foreman, who are already serving 10-year sentences on espionage charges they strongly deny.According to the family, Craig Foreman was unexpectedly brought before a judge instead of meeting his lawyer and informed that his sentence had been increased. They claim he was not provided with legal representation, a translator or an opportunity to defend himself.Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said it was “urgently following up” with Iranian authorities over reports of the additional sentence.The UK government has previously described the couple’s imprisonment as “completely appalling and totally unjustifiable.”
Arrested during a round-the-world motorcycle trip
Craig and Lindsay Foreman were arrested in Iran in January 2025 while travelling through the country on a motorcycle journey from Europe to Australia. Both have consistently denied espionage allegations.The couple were each sentenced to 10 years in prison earlier this year. Their family says Craig’s latest punishment stems from his alleged contact with the media while being held in Tehran’s Evin prison.Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman’s son and the family spokesperson, said Craig had been led to believe he was meeting his lawyer but was instead taken before a judge.“We understand he was told he was being taken to see his lawyer, but was instead brought before a judge and informed of the additional sentence,” Bennett was quoted as saying by BBC News, adding that Craig was denied a lawyer, translator and any chance to defend himself.
Health fears grow as hunger strike continues
The Foremans have been on a hunger strike since May after prison authorities reportedly prevented them from contacting their families.Relatives say they are increasingly worried about the couple’s deteriorating health. Human rights group HRANA recently reported that Craig Foreman had lost around 16 kg, while Lindsay Foreman was experiencing dizziness and body tremors.The family also alleged that a letter urging the couple to end their hunger strike, along with medication and other essential supplies, had not been delivered.“My mum and Craig are 18 months into an ordeal they should never have known,” Bennett said. He described the additional sentence as “a flagrant abuse of the most basic rights any person is owed.”
UN raises concerns over trial process
Last month, two independent United Nations human rights experts said the proceedings against the Foremans appeared to have fallen short of international fair trial standards.The experts said the couple appeared to have been wrongfully detained, prosecuted on questionable grounds and sentenced after proceedings that failed to provide basic legal safeguards. They also voiced concern over the ongoing hunger strike.
UK reiterates travel warning on Iran
The UK government continues to advise against all travel to Iran, warning that British nationals or those with UK connections face a significant risk of arbitrary detention.British officials say they remain in contact with Iranian authorities and continue to provide consular support to the couple while seeking their release. The government has also said that, if confirmed, the reported extension of Craig Foreman’s sentence is unacceptable.The family has welcomed the appointment of former Conservative MP and Middle East minister Alistair Burt as the UK’s first special envoy for British nationals detained abroad in complex cases involving welfare, due process and human rights, expressing hope that the new role could help secure the couple’s release.
