UN Experts Demand Freedom for British Detainees
Two United Nations human rights experts have issued a strong call for the immediate release of Lindsay and Craig Foreman, a British couple from East Sussex, who were handed a 10-year prison sentence in Iran on charges of espionage. Dr. Alice Edwards, the UN's special rapporteur on torture, and Mai Sato, the special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, highlighted significant procedural flaws and a lack of fair trial guarantees in the couple's case.
The Foremans were apprehended in January 2025 while traveling through Iran as part of a global motorcycle journey. They vehemently deny all allegations of wrongdoing. Currently, they are reportedly engaged in a hunger strike at Tehran's Evin jail, initiated after their phone contact with family ceased last month.
Grave Concerns Over Detention and Health
The UN experts emphasized that the couple's detention appears to be wrongful and expressed alarm over their health. "After 30 days without food, this is a medical emergency," they stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Dr. Edwards and Ms. Sato voiced concerns that the Foremans might be held for political leverage and have formally requested Iranian authorities to overturn their convictions.
They also implored the UK government to utilize all available diplomatic channels to secure the couple's freedom. The last consular visit for the Foremans took place in December.
Legal Challenges and Family Appeals
The couple recently lost an appeal against their 10-year sentence. Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman's son, revealed that his mother and stepfather were not permitted to attend their own appeal hearing. He added that their case has now been elevated to the Supreme Court, though the family is unclear about the legal intricacies or the timeline for future developments.
Joe Bennett has been a vocal advocate for the couple's release, previously stating, "Deals can be made, sanctions can be discussed, shipping lanes can be reopened, but human beings must not be left behind in prison cells." He stressed that his mother and Craig are innocent British citizens caught in a dire situation and advocated for the inclusion of foreign detainees' fates in any serious peace framework with Iran. The Foreign Office has affirmed its ongoing efforts to ensure the couple's safe return to the UK.
Source: UN human rights experts demand release of British couple jailed in Iran