Concerned family braces for the condition of their loved ones, incarcerated in Iran's most severe penal institution.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Lindsay and Craig Foreman, a British couple on a round-the-world motorbike trip, have been detained in Iran since early January 2025. The pair, who were seized in Kerman, are currently held in some of Iran’s most notorious prisons—Craig in Evin Prison and Lindsay in Qarchak Women's Prison.
The couple, both in their 50s, have faced inhumane conditions, including torture, solitary confinement, sleep deprivation, and threats of execution, according to reports. Iranian authorities accuse them of espionage, a charge they and the UK government vehemently deny.
Conditions and Concerns
Evin Prison, where Craig Foreman is held, is infamous for its harsh treatment of political prisoners and foreigners. It has a long history of torture, solitary confinement, and psychological pressure.
Qarchak Women's Prison, where Lindsay Foreman was transferred, is known for severe overcrowding, poor sanitation, inadequate medical care, and general harshness. It is widely condemned by human rights organisations for inhumane conditions.
The couple has been subjected to sleep deprivation, physical beating, and threats of execution as means to coerce confessions, but they have maintained their innocence throughout. They have been held in solitary confinement for months, a situation that has deeply concerned their family, who fear the toll it will take on their physical and mental health.
The UK Foreign Office has provided consular assistance and formally requested their release, describing the charges as baseless and expressing concern over their treatment. The family has publicly appealed to UK leadership, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, to intensify efforts for their safe return, highlighting the “inhumane” conditions and urging decisive diplomatic action.
Context
Iran has a history of detaining foreign nationals on security-related charges, often criticised as politically motivated and used as leverage in international negotiations. Tehran denies political motives. The Foremans’ detention reflects this pattern, raising widespread human rights and diplomatic concerns.
Notably, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori, dual British-Iranian citizens, were released from captivity in Iran in March 2022 after years of detention.
The British government advises against all travel to Iran due to the risk of arrest, questioning, or detention for British and British-Iranian dual nationals. Visits from consular officials are crucial for the mental health and wellbeing of the detainees.
In light of these circumstances, the family of Lindsay and Craig Foreman is seeking reassurance and welfare packs for the detainees. They are also "seriously worried" after the pair were moved to the country's "harshest prisons". Despite the 99 days without a consular visit, the Foreign Office continues to raise the case of the detained British nationals with the Iranian authorities.
An Instagram post described Lindsay and Craig Foreman as "innocent British citizens - hostages, not criminals". The family's plea for their safe return echoes this sentiment, emphasising the urgent need for diplomatic action to secure the couple's freedom.
[1] BBC News, "British couple detained in Iran: What we know about Lindsay and Craig Foreman", 2025. [2] The Guardian, "British couple Lindsay and Craig Foreman held in Iran's Evin prison", 2025. [3] Sky News, "British couple detained in Iran: What we know about Lindsay and Craig Foreman", 2025. [4] Amnesty International, "Iran: Qarchak detention centre", 2021. [5] Human Rights Watch, "Iran: Evin Prison", 2021.
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