A British citizen detained in Iran has reportedly had his 10-year prison sentence extended by two years for speaking to the media while in prison, as confirmed by his family. Craig Foreman and his wife, Lindsay, were arrested in January 2025 during their motorcycle journey from Europe to Australia. They were convicted of espionage, a charge they deny.
Relatives of Craig revealed that he was informed of the sentence extension after talking to the media from Evin Prison in Tehran. According to Lindsay Foreman’s son and family spokesperson, Joe Bennett, Craig was taken to see his lawyer but was instead presented before a judge and informed of the additional punishment without the chance to defend himself. The reason given for the extension was his communication with the press.
The couple’s hunger strike in May, following an unsuccessful appeal, led to further distress. Craig stopped eating on May 9, with Lindsay joining him nine days later. Both have experienced significant weight loss, and all contact with them has been severed by the Iranian authorities.
Reports from a human rights group indicated Craig’s weight loss of around 16kg (35lb) and Lindsay’s suffering from dizziness and body tremors. The family mentioned that a letter advising them to end the hunger strike was not received, and essential supplies were not delivered. Joe Bennett expressed dismay at the situation, stressing that Craig is facing additional punishment unjustly.
The family’s legal team plans to include Craig’s extended sentence in a formal complaint to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. According to Haydee Dijkstal, a member of the legal team, the couple’s detention violates UN legal criteria, lacks a legal basis, infringes on their right to a fair trial, and breaches international law.
Efforts have been made by the family to appeal for mercy from Iranian authorities and seek intervention from the British Ambassador to Tehran. They also suggested a potential prisoner swap involving another convicted individual. However, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy indicated that while arrangements could be considered, specifics on this matter were not suitable.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office stated that they are actively engaging with Iranian authorities regarding the reported sentence extension.
