British Nationals Sentenced in Tehran, UK Demands Their Return
London – The British government has publicly condemned a 10-year prison sentence imposed on Craig and Lindsay Foreman by Iranian authorities, labelling the punishment against the UK couple as “totally unjustifiable” and pledging sustained efforts to secure their freedom.
The Foremans, both in their 50s, were arrested in January 2025 during a motorcycle journey through Iran. Tehran later accused them of espionage — allegations the couple and the UK government vehemently deny.
Family Outcry and Fast-Tracked Trial Raise Legal Concerns
According to relatives, the couple’s trial in October lasted only a few hours and did not allow them to present a defence, prompting sharp criticism from their family and British officials alike. Their son has urged the UK government to exhaust every diplomatic channel to bring his parents home.
The family also voiced deep concern about their welfare, highlighting reports of limited communication, constrained legal access, and harsh detention conditions at Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison.
UK Government Vows Persistent Diplomatic Pressure
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the sentencing as “completely appalling,” emphasising that London will “relentlessly” press Iranian authorities to return the Foremans safely to the UK and reunite them with their family. The British Foreign Office has reiterated its commitment to ongoing consular support while urging Iran to reconsider the verdict.
The case underscores longstanding tensions between Iran and Western governments over the detention of foreign nationals on national security or espionage charges — a pattern denounced by human rights advocates as politically motivated
