Tehran, Iran – The families of the British couple imprisoned in Iran announced that Craig and Lindsay Foreman have ended their latest hunger strike. This strike lasted for several months. According to a statement released by the families, Craig and Lindsay fasted for approximately 93 days and 84 days, respectively. The couple launched the protest to denounce their harsh prison conditions. They also protested the circumstances of their trial.
Joe Bennett, Lindsay Furman’s son, explained in an official statement: “After nearly three months of protest, Lindsay and Craig have decided to end their hunger strike.” He added, emphasizing the current priorities: “The immediate focus is on the health and safety of Lindsay and Craig and securing their release after more than 18 months in detention.”
Details of arbitrary arrest and harsh sentences
The case dates back to February 2025 when the couple was arrested by Iranian Revolutionary Guard intelligence forces. Both were in their early forties. They were apprehended while traveling through the central Iranian city of Kerman as part of a round-the-world motorcycle tour. In March of last year, the 15th branch of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati—who is under international sanctions from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union for his involvement in organizing what are known as “show trials”—issued a harsh sentence. Each was sentenced to ten years in prison on charges of espionage. The couple vehemently deny these accusations. The punishment didn’t end there. Craig Foreman’s stepson indicated last July that an additional two years had been added to Craig’s sentence for allegedly communicating with the media.
Charges based on “philosophical questions” and disastrous detention conditions
The family maintains that the couple entered Iran completely legally, with valid visas. They were also accompanied by a licensed tour guide and followed a pre-approved travel itinerary. The family revealed that the charges against them were based on illogical details. Lindsay Foreman had asked some people during her trip what “a good life means to them.” Security authorities considered these questions to be incitement that could lead to regime change.
The couple had begun their latest hunger strike last May in response to the prison administration’s arbitrary measures. These included confiscating their SIM cards and completely cutting them off from contact with their families and lawyers after they gave a BBC interview. The couple also repeatedly complained about the poor health conditions, severe overcrowding, and inadequate services inside the notorious Evin Prison.
Growing fears amid the war and its repercussions
The couple’s families’ fears intensified dramatically as the military conflict escalated and war broke out. Reports indicated a violent explosion near the walls of Evin Prison. This incident shattered windows and scattered plaster onto prisoners inside Craig Foreman’s cell. Lindsay Foreman, in a phone call to her son, described those moments as scenes of “collective terror.” With the couple’s lawyers recently leaving the country, humanitarian and diplomatic pressure mounted to ensure their medical protection and secure their immediate release.
