Family’s fear as East Sussex couple held in Iran face verdict

The family of a British couple detained in Iran is urging the UK government to help secure their release, warning their health is deteriorating and they are being held in “horrific conditions”.

Lindsay and Craig Foreman, from East Sussex, were motorcycling around the world when they were arrested by Iranian authorities in January and later charged with espionage – claims the family denies.

Their son, Joe Bennett, said he was told the couple are being held in cramped cells without mattresses, suffering from untreated illnesses and malnutrition.

The Foreign Office said it was “deeply concerned” and continues to raise the case with Iranian authorities.

Mr Bennett, of Folkestone, Kent, also told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Although they’re mentally resilient, I think their physical health is really starting to suffer.”

Following a court appearance in Tehran on Saturday, their son said the family was “exhausted” and “terrified by what may come next”.

He said a verdict and sentence on the case could be handed down within days.

The family say they are increasingly alarmed about the trial proceedings in Iran following a recent hearing.

They claim they had asked for a UK foreign office official to attend but this request was denied, and said it was unclear whether the couple were given any opportunity to present a defence.

The family also say the court-appointed lawyer reportedly had to correct multiple mistranslations. They believe a verdict and sentence could be issued in seven to 10 days.

Mr Bennett said: “I have nightmares thinking about how Mum and Craig can possibly be coping with this injustice, hearing false accusations, feeling helpless to be able to defend themselves, knowing that their words have been mistranslated.

“The court case may be moving forward, but our parents are still trapped in horrific conditions.”

He said he last had contact with the couple, via the embassy, about three weeks ago.

But, he said, it has been nearly two months since they had direct contact and they have “only had the one phone call”.

He said: “No direct information is being passed from them to us.”

He said he was increasingly worried for their physical health, adding that Mr Foreman had been dealing with a tooth abscess for several months.

“They went months without funds,” he said. “When you hear stuff like your mum’s on a drip, it sends you a bit crazy because you don’t know why or if she’s going to be OK.”

A statement from family members once again urged the UK government to intervene.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has now agreed to meet with the family later in October, having received a letter signed by 35 MPs and members of the all-parliamentary group for arbitrary detention and hostage affairs.

The family says that, while welcome, action is needed sooner.

Mr Bennett added: “The UK government cannot continue to let this just happen.”

A spokesperson for the FCDO said: “We are deeply concerned by reports that Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been charged with espionage in Iran. We continue to raise this case directly with the Iranian authorities.

“The FCDO are providing them with consular assistance and remain in close contact with their family members.”