UK couple held in Iran end hunger strikes — Family

A British couple accused of spying in Iran has ended their latest hunger strikes, protesting their detention and treatment in prison. Lindsay and Craig Foreman, both in their early 50s, were arrested in January 2025 while on a round-the-world motorbike trip passing through central Iran.

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After almost three months of protest, Lindsay and Craig chose to end their hunger strikes.

In February of this year, they were each sentenced to a decade in prison on espionage charges, which they vehemently deny. Craig Foreman's sentence was later extended by two years for speaking to the media. The couple launched their most recent hunger strikes in May, citing the "serious physical toll" their imprisonment was taking. According to their relatives, Craig Foreman fasted for 93 days, while his wife abstained from food for 84 days.

The Foremans have consistently raised concerns about the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions at Evin Prison in Tehran. Rights groups report that this facility houses political prisoners and foreign nationals. The family stated that after nearly three months of protest, Lindsay and Craig "chose to end their hunger strikes," converting the final five days into a "fast for good."

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It aimed to transform the protest 'into something constructive and collective, drawing attention not only to their own detention but to the rights and humanity of others imprisoned in Iran'.

This action aimed to transform their protest into something constructive, drawing attention to their own detention and the broader rights and humanity of other prisoners in Iran. The couple had previously undertaken a month-long hunger strike late last year, demanding more regular contact with the outside world. UN rights experts had warned of their serious risk, suggesting their detention could amount to "hostage-taking." The immediate focus for the family remains the couple's health, welfare, and securing their release after more than 18 months in detention, a situation complicated by the UK embassy's remote operation.

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the immediate focus remains Lindsay and Craig’s health, their welfare and securing their release after more than 18 months in detention.