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British couple detained in Iran denied medical care amid hunger strike

Created at 7 Jul · 3:41 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

A British couple, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, detained in Iran since January 2025, are reportedly being denied medical supplies and care while on hunger strike for nine and eight weeks respectively. Their family is "desperately worried" about their deteriorating health.

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Key Numbers

9 weeksCraig Foreman's hunger strike duration
8 weeksLindsay Foreman's hunger strike duration
14kgLindsay Foreman's weight loss
31lbLindsay Foreman's weight loss
16kgCraig Foreman's weight loss
35lbCraig Foreman's weight loss

Who's Involved

Craig Foreman
British national detained in Iran on hunger strike
Lindsay Foreman
British national detained in Iran on hunger strike
Joe Bennett
Son of Lindsay Foreman campaigning for their release
Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana)
US-based agency reporting on the couple's condition

↳ Why This Matters

The deteriorating health of detained British citizens and the alleged denial of medical care raise serious humanitarian concerns and diplomatic pressure on the UK government to secure their release and well-being.

Key facts

  • British couple Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been detained in Iran since January 2025.
  • They have been on hunger strike for nine and eight weeks, respectively.
  • Reports indicate they are being denied medical supplies and care.
  • Lindsay Foreman has lost over 14kg and is experiencing severe health issues.
  • Medication and hygiene products sent by the British Embassy have reportedly been withheld.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman, a British couple travelling the world, have been detained in Iran since January 2025. They have now been on hunger strike for nine and eight weeks, respectively, due to their prison conditions. The family reports they are being denied essential supplies, including medication, glasses, books, and basic hygiene products, which were sent by the British Embassy in Tehran. This is described as a violation of a formal guarantee previously given to the British ambassador.

Lindsay Foreman has reportedly lost over 14kg (31lb) and is suffering from severe vertigo, tremors, and profound physical weakness, leading her family to describe her as "dangerously weak." Craig Foreman has lost approximately 16kg (35lb) since beginning his strike when phone access was cut off.

The family has published a letter urging the couple to stay alive and well, emphasizing their importance to loved ones. They are calling on the UK government to "act without delay" to secure medical access and supplies for the couple, and ultimately their release. Lindsay Foreman's son, Joe Bennett, is campaigning for their release and is scheduled to meet with Members of Parliament to discuss the situation. The couple remain barred from contacting their children and other loved ones.

Frequently asked questions

They were detained in January 2025 while travelling the world.

They are striking due to their prison conditions.

Lindsay Foreman is suffering from severe vertigo, tremors, and profound physical weakness after losing over 14kg. Craig Foreman has lost about 16kg.

Medication, glasses, books, and basic hygiene products sent by the British Embassy have reportedly been withheld.

What Happens Next

01Joe Bennett is scheduled to meet with MPs on Wednesday.
02The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has been approached for comment.

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Cadence

How It Developed

Craig and Lindsay Foreman were detained in Iran in January 2025.
The couple began a hunger strike due to prison conditions.
Lindsay Foreman has lost over 14kg and suffers severe vertigo and weakness.
Craig Foreman has lost approximately 16kg.
Medical supplies sent by the British Embassy have reportedly been withheld.
The couple's family urged the UK government to act urgently.
Lindsay Foreman's son is campaigning for their release and will meet with MPs.

Sources

T1
British hunger strike couple 'denied medical care'BBC News

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