Family Calls for UK Action as Brit Couple Detained in Iran

The family of a British couple detained in Iran is urging the UK government to intensify efforts for their release following the recent liberation of another British couple held by the Taliban. Lindsay and Craig Foreman, aged 52, were arrested in January while on an ambitious motorbike journey around the world, facing espionage charges they deny.

The Foremans have been imprisoned for over nine months, with reports indicating they are being held in challenging conditions in separate prisons. Their situation mirrors that of Peter and Barbie Reynolds, who were freed this week after being held in Afghanistan since February. The Reynolds’ release has prompted renewed hope for the Foreman family’s safe return.

Joe Bennett, the Foremans’ son, expressed relief at the Reynolds’ release, stating, “No-one should be held hostage abroad, not them and not our loved ones, Lindsay and Craig Foreman.” He emphasized the concern for their parents’ health and well-being, urging UK authorities to take more decisive action.

The couple’s ordeal began when they entered Iran on December 31, 2022, planning to spend a brief five days in the country before proceeding to Australia. They had valid visas, a licensed guide, and a pre-approved travel itinerary for their trip. However, communication ceased on January 3, 2023, when they failed to check into their hotel in Kerman.

On February 13, 2023, Iranian state media confirmed their arrest on espionage charges, a claim the Foremans strongly refute. The couple currently remains in prisons known for their harsh conditions. Craig is reportedly held in Evin prison, sharing a cramped room with 57 other inmates, while Lindsay is confined in Qarchak prison, where around 70 women are kept in a space of only 140 square meters.

Despite the dire circumstances, family members have noted the couple’s remarkable resilience during this difficult period. They have been granted limited communication, including a weekly phone call and brief visits, which brings a small sense of solace amidst their struggles.

The Foreman family is now appealing to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and the government to take immediate action to resolve what they describe as an ongoing “hostage situation.” Their hope is that the recent developments involving the Reynolds will serve as a catalyst for increased diplomatic pressure on Iran to facilitate the release of Lindsay and Craig.

As the situation unfolds, the Foremans’ family continues to advocate for their safe return, emphasizing that no one should endure the hardships of unlawful detention abroad.