A British man jailed in Iran on espionage charges has had his sentence extended by two more years, according to his family. Craig Foreman, 52, and his wife Lindsay, 53, have been imprisoned since January 2025. They were traveling from Europe to Asia when they were arrested in Iran. Their charges came just before the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran, igniting an ongoing conflict.
The couple was first sentenced to ten years by a judge facing sanctions from the U.S., U.K., and EU for conducting unfair trials. They have spent over 18 months in Tehran’s Evin prison, known for harsh conditions.
The family’s spokesperson, Joe Bennett, Lindsay’s son, expressed concern after learning that Craig’s sentence had been increased for speaking to media outlets. Bennett stated that Craig was misled into believing he would see his lawyer, but instead faced a judge without legal representation or a translator. The Foremans continue to deny the espionage accusations made against them.
“We didn’t think we could be any more shocked at their appalling treatment,” said Bennett.
Efforts from the British government to engage with Iranian authorities on the increased sentencing remain ongoing. As a result of these actions, government officials have described the situation as “urgently being followed up.”
Hunger Strike and Health Concerns
Craig began a hunger strike on May 9, with Lindsay joining him on May 18 to protest their imprisonment. This follows a previous hunger strike in November 2025. The couple’s health has worsened as they have lost significant weight. Attempts by family members to communicate with the couple, encouraging them to end the protest, have been blocked.
Bennett describes the emotional toll, explaining that each day brings uncertainty about their safety and wellbeing. “The hardest part of it all is the uncertainty,” he said.
International and Family Efforts
U.N. experts Mai Sato and Dr. Alice Jill Edwards have called for the release of the Foremans, stating their imprisonment is wrongful. The British government has described the initial sentence as utterly unjustifiable. The family remains hopeful as the U.K. has now appointed an envoy to address complex overseas detention cases.
Bennett believes that only “political will” and “courage” can bring the couple home. Citing past cases like those of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori, he argues that dedicated government action can lead to the release of detained Britons.
The family continues to ask for mercy and public support to bring the Foremans back to Britain.
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