UN experts demand Iran release British couple on hunger strike in Tehran jail

UN human rights experts have called for the immediate release of a British couple sentenced to 10 years in an Iranian jail on spying charges, describing their detention as wrongful and raising alarm over their deteriorating health condition.

Lindsay and Craig Foreman, from East Sussex, were detained in January 2025 while traveling through Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip. Both have consistently denied any wrongdoing. UN special rapporteurs Dr Alice Edwards—the UN's special rapporteur on torture—and Mai Sato, the special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, have stated that the couple "appear to have been wrongfully detained, prosecuted on highly questionable grounds, and sentenced after proceedings that failed to meet basic fair trial guarantees." The experts cited grave irregularities in the legal proceedings against them.

The situation has become critical as the couple are now on hunger strike in Tehran's Evin jail, having refused food for approximately 30 days after phone contact with their family was cut off last month. The UN experts described this as "a medical emergency," urging Iranian authorities to release the couple immediately. The experts expressed concern that the Foremans may be held for political leverage and have appealed to Iran to quash their convictions.

The couple's legal situation remains uncertain. Their last consular visit from UK officials occurred in December, and they were reportedly not permitted to attend their own appeal hearing. Their case has now been passed to Iran's Supreme Court, though the family remains unclear about the legal process and potential timeline for resolution. The UK Foreign Office has stated it will continue working through diplomatic channels to ensure their safe return.

Their son Joe Bennett, who has campaigned tirelessly for their release, has stressed that any peace framework involving Iran must include the fate of foreign detainees. He stated: "Deals can be made, sanctions can be discussed, shipping lanes can be reopened, but human beings must not be left behind in prison cells. My mum and Craig are British citizens. They are innocent people caught in a nightmare."