A British man jailed in Iran on accusations of spying has reportedly had two additional years added to his decade-long sentence, according to his family. Craig Foreman, from East Sussex, was informed that his punishment was extended for speaking to the media from his cell in Tehran's Evin prison.
Craig Foreman and his wife, Lindsay, were arrested in January last year while traveling through Iran on a motorcycle journey from Europe to Australia. Both have consistently denied the espionage charges against them. In February of the same year, they were each sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman's son and a family spokesperson from Folkestone, Kent, expressed outrage over the latest development. He stated, "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 added that his father was denied a lawyer, a translator, and any opportunity to defend himself despite requests. "We didn't think we could be any more shocked at their appalling treatment, but in this case we are absolutely flabbergasted," he said.
The couple has been on hunger strike since May last year after prison authorities prevented them from making calls to their families. Their family is growing increasingly concerned for their health. Last week, HRANA, a US-based human rights group, reported that Craig Foreman had lost approximately 16kg (35lb), while Lindsay Foreman was suffering from dizziness and body tremors. The family also stated that a letter asking them to end their hunger strike, along with medication and other basic supplies, had not been delivered.
Bennett highlighted the severity of their situation, stating, "My mum and Craig are 18 months into an ordeal they should never have known." He continued, "They are weak, they are hungry, and now Craig is being punished simply for being heard. To add two more years to an innocent man's sentence, in secret and with no chance to defend himself, is a flagrant abuse of the most basic rights any person is owed."
Last month, two United Nations human rights experts, Dr Alice Edwards and Mai Sato, who are UN special rapporteurs, called on Iran to release the couple. They asserted that the proceedings against the Foremans were marked by "grave irregularities," and that they appeared to have been "wrongfully detained, prosecuted on highly questionable grounds, and sentenced after proceedings that failed to meet basic fair trial guarantees."
The UK's Foreign Office has advised against all travel to Iran since 2022, citing that individuals can be detained there simply for holding a British passport or having connections to the UK. The Foreign Office has previously stated its commitment to ensuring the safe return of the Foremans to the UK, emphasizing that the couple's health and welfare are its "priority."
The family has welcomed the appointment on Monday of Alistair Burt, a former Conservative MP and Middle East minister, as the UK's first ever envoy to support British nationals detained abroad in complex cases involving welfare, due process, or human rights concerns. Lindsay and Craig Foreman's family expressed their anticipation of meeting him and their hope that his appointment will positively impact their case. They are appealing to the Iranian authorities to show mercy and set the couple free.
Public support for Iran jail couple 'phenomenal'
