British Couple Detained in Iran: Son Appeals for Their Release, Denying Espionage Charges

The poignant plight of Craig and Lindsay Foreman, a British couple from East Sussex, continues to draw attention as their son, Joe Bennett, makes a heartfelt plea for their release. Detained in Iran since January and subsequently charged with espionage, the couple’s family vehemently denies these accusations, emphasizing their identities as devoted parents rather than political actors or criminals.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman, aged 52, embarked on what they described as a “once-in-a-lifetime” adventure, a motorcycle journey from Spain to Australia. Their travels took an unforeseen and distressing turn when they crossed into Iran on December 31st. It was in January that they were arrested, and by February, the charges of spying were formally laid against them. This news sent shockwaves through their family, with Joe Bennett recounting the moment he heard of their arrest: “I broke down in tears.” He expressed his deep anguish, stating, “I want to be crystal clear, my parents aren’t spies, they’re not political players, they aren’t criminals. They’re Mum and Dad.”

The FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) has confirmed its commitment to assisting the Foreman family and has been actively raising the case with Iranian authorities. However, the lack of direct contact and the prolonged silence have taken a significant toll on the family. Joe Bennett shared that his last conversation with his parents was on January 3rd, before their arrest. Since then, updates have been scarce, primarily relying on welfare checks conducted by UK embassy officials. The last such check occurred in May, leaving the family in a state of anxious uncertainty. “That’s tough when you’re used to hearing someone’s voice every day,” Bennett conveyed, highlighting the emotional strain of such limited communication.

A single “generic letter” from his mother has been the only personal message shared with loved ones, offering a small but significant connection. Bennett described his mother’s current conditions, stating, “She’s sleeping on a wafer-thin mattress,” a detail that clearly causes him immense distress. He added, “You always go back to how they must be feeling, that’s the one thing that gets the family the most.” Despite the harsh circumstances, the couple’s resilience shines through. Bennett noted their active nature, mentioning their participation in Parkrun back home. He shared that they are striving to “keep as fit as possible” in their confinement, even engaging in “figure of eights in their cell,” a testament to their “mental fortitude.”

The geopolitical tensions in the region have further amplified the family’s anxiety. The eruption of conflict between Iran and Israel in June was a particularly “terrifying” period for Bennett, who feared for his parents’ safety amidst the escalating situation. The planned transfer of the couple to Iran’s infamous Evin Prison on June 8th coincided with a bombing of the prison by Israel on June 23rd, a period during which UK embassy staff were also withdrawn from Tehran. This confluence of events left Bennett feeling acutely concerned: “They are now left alone, we haven’t got people who can push for their safety and wellbeing.”

Bennett is urging the Foreign Office to adopt a more proactive and urgent strategy to secure his parents’ return. He expressed a lack of clarity regarding the government’s plan, stating, “We know where we stand and what we want, it’s over to you to make this happen.” The family’s reservations about the couple’s decision to travel to Iran are acknowledged, with Bennett posing the rhetorical question, “why would you go there?” He emphasized, however, that his parents had meticulously followed all established procedures, obtaining the necessary visas, traveling with licensed guides, and adhering to official routes and accommodations. “They followed every guideline in the book they could… that clearly wasn’t enough,” he lamented.

Bennett posits that the arrest is a retaliatory measure, leveraging his parents’ UK passports as a tool for political leverage by the Iranian regime. This perspective is echoed by reports from Iran’s judiciary, which stated in February that the couple had entered the country “under the guise of tourists” and engaged in “gathering information.” These reports claimed the couple had been under surveillance and were apprehended as part of an “coordinated intelligence operation.”

The situation mirrors a broader pattern observed in recent years, where Iran has detained numerous individuals with dual nationality or foreign residency, predominantly on charges related to espionage and national security. A significant number of these cases, at least 15, have involved ties to the UK. Human rights organizations suggest that such detentions are often used as bargaining chips, with releases contingent upon concessions from other nations.

While the FCDO has been “supportive in terms of words and comfort,” Bennett describes the current relationship as merely “functional” and believes their “quiet diplomacy” approach has been protracted. He stressed the need for more decisive action, stating, “We’re past that now.” A spokesperson for the FCDO reiterated their ongoing efforts: “We continue to raise this case directly with the Iranian authorities, we’re providing them with consular assistance and we remain in close contact with the family.” The family, however, awaits tangible progress towards the Foremans’ safe return.