British couple jailed in Iran lose appeal against spying convictions

A British couple, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, convicted of spying in Iran have lost their appeal against the convictions, their family announced. The couple, both 53, received 10-year prison sentences in February after being found guilty of espionage, charges they deny.

Their family, from East Sussex, expressed concern that they were not permitted to attend the appeal hearing. The Foremans were arrested in January 2025 while on a motorcycle trip through Iran. Their son, Joe Bennett, stated that the couple "don't understand the process" and that they were asked to sign documents they could not read.

“

My mum, Lindsay, and stepdad, Craig, were not permitted to attend their own appeal hearing. We don’t know if they received a proper account of what was argued on their behalf. We know they had been asked to sign documents … documents they could not read, and they refused, but we don’t know the details of when, or what they were. Their case has now passed to the supreme court, but we don’t understand the process, the timeline, or what, if anything, will be submitted in their name.

Bennett added that the case has moved to the supreme court, but the family is unsure about the process, timeline, or any submissions made on the couple's behalf. Both Craig and Lindsay Foreman are reportedly on hunger strike in Tehran's Evin prison, with communication cut off by authorities. Bennett met with UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) officials but left without clarity on the pressure being applied to Tehran.

The FCDO confirmed they are "disappointed by the appeal decision" and "will continue working to ensure that Craig and Lindsay are returned safely to the UK." The department stated that Britain's ambassador to Tehran and diplomats have been providing consular assistance, including prison visits and facilitating family calls. The FCDO advises all British and British-Iranian nationals against traveling to Iran due to the "significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention."

“

We are disappointed by the appeal decision and will continue working to ensure that Craig and Lindsay are returned safely to the UK. Since their arrest last year, Britain’s ambassador to Tehran, diplomats and officials in London have been working to provide consular assistance. This includes the ambassador visiting them in prison and facilitating calls with their family back in the UK.