British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper has condemned the 10-year prison sentence handed to Craig and Lindsay Foreman in Iran, calling it “totally unjustifiable” and vowing continued diplomatic efforts to secure their release. The couple, accused of espionage, have been detained since January 3, 2025, during a global motorcycle journey through Iran.
Cooper said the UK government would “pursue this case relentlessly with the Iranian government until we see Craig and Lindsay Foreman safely returned to the UK and reunited with their family.” She emphasized that consular support would continue despite restrictions and delays in the couple’s access to legal representation.
The Foremans reportedly faced a three-hour trial on October 27, 2025, during which they were not allowed to present a defense. Their son, Joe Bennett, criticized the lack of evidence supporting the espionage charges and called on the UK government to use every possible channel to ensure their release.
Family statements indicate the couple has endured extended periods of isolation, limited communication, delayed access to funds, and interruptions to consular visits. Lindsay Foreman has been held in the women’s section of Tehran’s Evin Prison, while Craig Foreman has been in its political wing.
Human rights organizations have raised concerns over Iran’s detention of foreign nationals, describing it as politically motivated leverage, though Iranian authorities maintain the cases relate to legitimate national security concerns.
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