UN human rights experts have called for the release of a British couple, Lindsay and Craig Foreman, sentenced to 10 years in an Iranian jail for spying. The experts cited grave irregularities in their trial and expressed concern they are being held for political leverage, especially as the couple is on hunger strike.
The case highlights concerns over human rights and due process in Iran, with UN experts raising alarms about wrongful detention and potential political leverage. The couple's hunger strike adds urgency to diplomatic efforts for their release.
UN human rights experts have urged Iran to release a British couple, Lindsay and Craig Foreman, who were sentenced to 10 years in prison on spying charges. The experts, including Dr. Alice Edwards, the UN special rapporteur on torture, and Mai Sato, special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, stated that the proceedings against the couple were marked by grave irregularities and failed to meet basic fair trial guarantees.
The Foremans, from East Sussex, were detained in January 2025 while traveling through Iran on a motorcycle trip. They have consistently denied the spying allegations. Currently held in Tehran's Evin jail, they have been on a hunger strike for over 30 days after their phone contact with family was severed last month. The UN experts described their situation as a medical emergency and expressed concern that the couple might be held for political leverage.
Lindsay's son, Joe Bennett, has been campaigning for their release, noting that his parents were not permitted to attend their own appeal hearing. The case has reportedly been passed to the Supreme Court, but the family remains uncertain about the legal process and timeline. The UN experts have appealed to Iranian authorities to quash the convictions and urged the UK government to use all diplomatic means to secure their freedom. The Foreign Office has stated it is continuing to work towards their safe return to the UK.