UK Foreign Minister Urges Release for British Couple Serving 10-Year Sentence in Iran
The United Kingdom’s foreign minister, Yvette Cooper, denounced as “totally unjustifiable” a ten-year prison sentence handed to a British couple by Iranian authorities.
Lindsay and Craig Foreman were charged with espionage after they had been accused of gathering information across multiple parts of Iran. Their arrest came during their global motorcycle journey in January last year, while the family reported an extended period of solitary confinement and limited access to legal representation.
Joe Bennett, Lindsay’s son, released a statement on Thursday expressing deep concern for his parents’ welfare and criticizing the lack of transparency in the judicial process. The couple appeared at a trial lasting three hours without being allowed to present their defense.
“We have seen no evidence to support espionage charges,” Bennett said. “We demand immediate action from our government to secure the release of my parents.”
The Iranian Embassy did not respond immediately to an inquiry about sentencing details. Lindsay Foreman has been held in Tehran’s Evin Women’s Section, while her husband Craig was confined within its political wing.
Iranian authorities have detained foreign and dual nationals on espionage or national security grounds recently, according to human rights organizations who view such detentions as a form of leverage used during disputes with other countries. Despite these allegations, the Iranian government insists that these cases stem from genuine security concerns.
Cooper’s office emphasized that they would continue to provide consular assistance for Lindsay and Craig Foreman, despite reports of disruptions in their access to legal representation and basic necessities like funds.