Family fears for British couple starving in Iran prison

Craig and Lindsay Foreman, both 53, have been held in Tehran’s Evin Prison since a motorbike trip in January 2025, and the British couple are starving after weeks on hunger strike. The pair were later sentenced to 10 years in prison on espionage charges, which they deny.

The Foremans have had little or no contact with loved ones and are being denied adequate medical care, essential medicine and phone calls. Their health is worsening, and HRANA puts their weight loss at about 16 kg. In June, UN experts said Lindsay Foreman had been on hunger strike for more than 30 days and Craig Foreman for more than 20 days, describing their condition as a medical emergency.

The family is “desperately worried” for Craig and Lindsay Foreman, who they say are “starving”, and the couple remain barred from contacting their children or other loved ones. Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman’s son and a resident of Kent, is campaigning for their release and is due to meet MPs in Parliament on Wednesday.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is deeply concerned and continues to advise against all travel to Iran. In a statement, the Foreign Secretary said: “We are of course deeply concerned that Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been charged with espionage in Iran.”

UN experts have also said the couple’s detention could amount to hostage-taking and urged their release.