Tag: Lindsay Foreman

Appeals Court Upholds Prison Sentences of British Detainees Lindsay and Craig Foreman

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Freedom of Expression, News, Prisoners
Craig Foreman, Evin Prison, HRANA, irgc, IRGC Intelligence, Kerman, Lindsay Foreman

HRANA – The prison sentences of Craig Foreman and Lindsay Foreman, two British citizens currently held in Evin Prison, have been upheld in full by the Court of Appeals. The couple had previously been sentenced to 10 years in prison each by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of “espionage.”

According to HRANA, citing BBC News, the Court of Appeals has upheld without modification the prison sentences imposed on Lindsay and Craig Foreman, a British couple imprisoned in Iran.

According to the report, the couple was not permitted to attend the appeals hearing. Following the confirmation of their sentences, their case has been referred to the Supreme Court.

In February 2026, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, sentenced the couple to 10 years in prison each on charges of “espionage.”

According to the couple, “Despite appearing in court, no evidence was presented, and we were given no opportunity to defend ourselves.”

In May 2026, the couple launched a hunger strike to protest their detention conditions and the suspension of telephone contact with their family. As the strike has continued, Lindsay Foreman has reportedly experienced deteriorating health conditions, including weight loss, low blood sugar, and fluctuations in blood pressure.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman, who had entered Iran as part of a motorcycle journey around the world, were arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Kerman in December 2024. Judicial authorities had accused them of “espionage,” alleging that they collected information in several provinces under the guise of tourism and research activities.

The British ambassador to Iran at the time also met with the two defendants at the Kerman Prosecutor’s Office in February of that year.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have arrested several foreign nationals on charges such as espionage or cooperation with hostile governments. Some detainees have later been released following political negotiations. Human rights organizations and several Western governments have accused Iran of using such arrests as a means of political leverage, allegations that Iranian authorities have consistently denied.

Monthly Report – May 2026: Human Rights Situation in Iran

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News, Other
Amin Imanian, Craig Foreman, Ekbatan Township, Lindsay Foreman, Meysam Veisi, Mojtaba Veisi, Yasamin Dashtani

This report provides a statistical overview of human rights violations documented by HRANA during the month of May. Among the most notable human rights concerns in Iran this month were the alarming increase in executions of prisoners on political and security-related charges, including espionage; the killing of two protesters by the IRGC Intelligence Organization; and the growing number of convictions handed down against ethnic rights activists.

Executions

During the past month, the Iranian regime carried out 55 executions. Among those executed was one woman, while the gender of four others remains unknown.

Twenty-two of the individuals had been sentenced to death on murder charges, while sixteen had been convicted of drug-related offenses. Two others were executed on charges of spreading corruption on earth (efsad-e fel-arz). The charges related to two of the executions remain unknown.

A particularly notable development was the execution of 13 individuals on political and security-related charges, including five people convicted of espionage. The execution of political and security prisoners has intensified following the recent war.

During the same month, Iranian judicial authorities issued 18 death sentences. Among the most significant cases were the death sentences handed down to four protesters involved in the 2022 protests in the case known as “Ekbatan Township”, as well as the death sentences of 20-year-old twin brothers on espionage charges.

Eight of these death sentences have been upheld by the Supreme Court, increasing the risk that they may be carried out.

Freedom of Thought and Expression

In May, the regime’s security forces arrested 162 individuals for reasons that constitute violations of citizens’ freedom of expression. During the same period, the summons of one person to security agencies and six individuals to court were also reported.

The homes of seven individuals were searched by security forces, and five people stood trial.

Iranian courts also sentenced 35 individuals to a combined total of 3,575 months of imprisonment for expressing their views and opinions. Among these cases was the five-year prison sentence imposed on Yasamin Dashtani, one of the defendants in the case known as the Ekbatan Township case. In another development, an appeals court sentenced four citizens to a combined total of 30 years in prison.

In addition to prison sentences, courts imposed seven cases of deprivation of social rights, 24 months of internal exile, and 20 lashes. Authorities also confiscated the assets of 821 individuals, a practice that, according to decisions by Iran’s senior judicial officials, has intensified following the recent war and has been particularly directed against opponents of the regime, especially those residing outside the country.

Additionally, one case of physical assault related to the exercise of freedom of expression and opinion was reported.

Prisoners’ Rights

In May, HRANA documented eight cases of denial of medical care for political and ideological prisoners, including the denial of medical treatment to Mahshar Parandin, a Christian convert imprisoned in Evin Prison, despite serious health complications.

The month also saw seven cases of denial of phone contact, 17 cases of denial of access to legal counsel, five cases of denial of visitation rights, 31 cases of detention under harsh conditions, and three cases of forced prisoner transfers.

Additionally, 15 cases of forced confessions obtained from prisoners or detainees were reported, along with 61 cases of detainees being held in legal limbo without clarification of their status. In 39 arrest cases, prison authorities and security agencies withheld information regarding the detainees’ whereabouts or condition from their families.

During the same month, reports also emerged of a hunger strike by Craig and Lindsay Foreman, the British couple imprisoned in Evin Prison.

Kolbars and Fuel Carriers

In May, military and security forces killed seven individuals through shootings. The most notable case was the killing of Meysam Veisi and Mojtaba Veisi by gunfire from the IRGC Intelligence Organization. The two followers of the Yarsan faith were being pursued by security forces in connection with the January protests. In another incident, four occupants of a vehicle were killed after officers from the Iranshahr Intelligence Department opened indiscriminate fire on their car.

Workers’ Rights

In May, at least 13 labor protests and one workers’ strike were held. HRANA also reported the dismissal of 551 workers, reflecting the widespread layoffs and workforce reductions that occurred during and after the war.

Workplace accidents claimed the lives of 25 workers and left 86 others injured during the month. One notable incident was the death of a mine worker in Tabas due to gas inhalation.

Trade unions and guilds also held 22 protest gatherings. In addition, three business establishments were sealed by authorities for reasons including non-compliance with the mandatory hijab regulations.

Women’s Rights
During this month, HRANA recorded the murders of twelve women. In most of these cases, the victims were killed by family members, highlighting the high prevalence of domestic violence in Iran.

Children’s Rights

In May, three cases of child murder were reported, including the stabbing death of an infant by his father and the murder of an 11-year-old boy by a man allegedly motivated by sexual assault.

Additionally, one case involving the detention of a child by security forces was reported.

Religious Minorities

During the past month, HRANA documented six cases of members of religious minorities being arrested by security forces. Four home searches were also reported.

Additionally, a Baha’i citizen, Amin Imanian, was sentenced by the Revolutionary Court of Babol to one year in prison.

Ethnic Rights

In the past month, security forces arrested eleven individuals from ethnic minority communities or ethnic rights activists, including three people in Mahabad. In seven cases, security forces reportedly failed to present arrest warrants. Additionally, the trial of four Azerbaijani-Turk activists on political charges was held before the Revolutionary Court.

Thirteen individuals were also collectively sentenced to a total of 977 months of imprisonment.

Inhuman Punishment

During this month, Iranian courts sentenced at least 16 individuals to a total of 309 lashes.

British Couple Craig and Lindsay Foreman Go on Hunger Strike in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Craig Foreman, Evin Prison, Hunger Strike, Kerman, Lindsay Foreman

HRANA – Craig and Lindsay Foreman, two British citizens imprisoned in Evin Prison, have gone on strike in protest against their detention conditions and the suspension of their ability to make phone calls to their family.

According to BBC, a British couple imprisoned in Evin Prison has launched a hunger strike. The report states that Craig Foreman has been on hunger strike for approximately 12 days. Meanwhile, his 53-year-old wife, Lindsay Foreman, had temporarily suspended her strike after being promised contact with her family, but has since resumed it.

Before phone contact was cut off, the couple said in a conversation from inside Evin Prison that they would likely remain in detention for “a long time.” In this regard, Craig Foreman stated: “We are innocent people. We have committed no offence.”

Joe Bennett, the couple’s son, described the situation as “medical emergency in the making” and warned that their lives are at risk. He called for immediate action by the British government. Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer described the two as “innocent tourists” and called their case “an injustice.”

According to the report, in response to the continued detention of the two British citizens, a group of motorcyclists in Britain plans to hold a protest rally marking the 500th day of the couple’s detention. Supporters of the pair, including members of parliament, also intend to submit a petition to the Prime Minister’s Office calling for urgent action to secure their release.

In February 2026, Craig and Lindsay Foreman were each sentenced to 10 years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, on charges of “espionage”, allegations they denied.

The British couple had been arrested in January 2025 during a motorcycle trip to Iran by intelligence forces affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the city of Kerman.

British Nationals Craig and Lindsay Foreman Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, News
Abolghasem Salavati, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, Craig Foreman, IRGC Intelligence, Joe Bennett, Kerman, Lindsay Foreman

HRANA – Craig and Lindsay Foreman, two British nationals currently imprisoned in Iran, have been sentenced to 10 years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, on charges of “espionage.”

According to HRANA News Agency, citing BBC Persian, Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, headed by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, sentenced the couple to 10 years in prison on charges of “espionage.”

The British couple stated that despite being present in court, no evidence was presented and they were given no opportunity to defend themselves.

Their son, Joe Bennett, has said that he is deeply concerned about their conditions of detention. The UK Foreign Secretary has also described the ruling as “appalling and unjustifiable.”

The report does not provide further details, including the date on which the verdict was issued.

The couple had previously gone on hunger strike in November of last year in protest against the lack of progress in their case.

Craig Foreman and Lindsay Foreman had entered Iran as part of a round-the-world motorcycle trip and were arrested in December 2024 by the IRGC Intelligence in Kerman. Judicial authorities had earlier accused them of “espionage,” alleging that they had gathered information in several provinces under the cover of tourism and research activities.

The then British ambassador to Iran also met with the two defendants at the Kerman Prosecutor’s Office in February of last year.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have detained several foreign nationals on charges such as espionage or cooperation with hostile states. Some of these detainees have later been released following political negotiations. Human rights organizations and some Western governments have accused Iran of using such arrests as a means of political leverage, allegations that Iranian authorities have consistently denied.

British Couple Held in Harsh Conditions in Iran

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News, Prisoners
Craig Foreman, HRANA, Lindsay Foreman

HRANA – Craig and Lindsay Foreman, two British nationals, have been detained in Iran since December of last year and remain in a state of limbo. According to their family, the couple continue to endure harsh and inhumane prison conditions. Their son has expressed deep concern for their health and well-being, calling on the UK government to take urgent action to secure their release.

According to HRANA, citing BBC World, Joe Bent, the son of Lindsay and Craig Foreman, stated that his parents remain in poor conditions in Iranian prisons.

The couple, from East Sussex, were on a global motorcycle trip when they were arrested by security forces in Iran in December 2024 and charged with espionage—an accusation their family rejects.

In a statement issued by the family, it was reported that Mr. Foreman is being held in a small room with 57 other prisoners. Their sleeping arrangements consist of triple bunks without mattresses, inadequate ventilation, poor food, and little access to fresh air. He is also suffering from pain caused by untreated dental problems. According to the report, the UK Foreign Office has managed to deposit money into his account so that he can purchase essential supplies. Meanwhile, Mrs. Foreman is being held in a 140-square-meter space with about 70 other women. Her family reports that she has to endure extreme heat, frequent power cuts, insufficient food, and sleep on a metal bed that has caused chronic back pain.

During a meeting with the British ambassador in Tehran, Mrs. Foreman requested a transfer to another prison to be closer to her husband. She has also been allowed to maintain regular phone contact with him and meet with him once a week.

Their son, Joe Bent, said: “My parents’ resilience is admirable, but that does not make their situation acceptable. Their dignity is currently being violated, and we call on the government to take urgent steps to improve their conditions and maintain family contact.”

A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office also reacted to this report, stating: “We are deeply concerned about the espionage charges against two British citizens and have raised this matter directly with Iranian officials. We continue to provide consular assistance to them and remain in close contact with their family.”

The two British nationals, who had entered Iran during their global motorcycle journey, were arrested in December last year by the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Kerman. Judicial officials charged them with “espionage,” alleging that the couple, under the guise of tourism and research activities, had collected information across several provinces.

The then-British ambassador to Iran also met with the couple in Kerman’s prosecutor’s office in February of the same year.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have arrested several foreign nationals on charges such as espionage or collaboration with hostile governments. Some detainees have been released after a period of imprisonment following political negotiations. Human rights organizations and some Western governments have accused Iran of using such arrests as a tool of political pressure, but Iranian officials have consistently denied these allegations.

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British Couple Held in Iran on Espionage Charges Remain Incommunicado in Tehran Prisons

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News, Prisoners
Craig Foreman, Evin Prison, IRGC Intelligence, Lindsay Foreman, Qarchak Prison, Tehran’s Greater Prison

HRANA – Craig Foreman and Lindsay Foreman, two British nationals detained on charges of “espionage,” are currently being held in Tehran’s Greater Prison and Qarchak Prison in Varamin. According to Ms. Foreman’s son, the couple has been denied any contact with their family since the time of their arrest.

Joe Bennet, Ms. Foreman’s son, told AFP that on Sunday, August 3, the UK Foreign Office informed the family that his mother and stepfather had been transferred to the two prisons. He noted that the complete lack of communication has deepened the family’s concerns about their safety and the conditions of their detention. Bennet has called on Iranian authorities to allow the couple to make contact with their loved ones.

The arrest took place in Kerman and was carried out by agents of the IRGC Intelligence Organization. A spokesperson for Iran’s judiciary previously announced that the pair had been detained on espionage charges. Following their initial arrest, they were transferred to Evin Prison.

Asghar Jahangir, a senior judicial official, later alleged that the detainees had entered Iran under the pretense of tourism and, while presenting themselves as researchers, had gathered information across several provinces.

Earlier, on February 13, 2025, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of Kerman announced that Hugo Shorter, the British Ambassador to Iran, had met with the detained individuals at the prosecutor’s office.

The couple, both in their early 50s, had entered Iran as part of a motorcycle world tour and had planned to continue their journey to Pakistan after a short stay.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have arrested multiple foreign nationals on charges of espionage or collaboration with hostile governments. While some have been released following political negotiations, human rights organizations and several Western governments have accused Iran of using such arrests as a means of political leverage—an allegation Iranian officials have consistently denied.

Six Months On, No Word From Detained British Couple in Iran

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News, Prisoners
Asghar Jahangir, Craig Foreman, irgc, Joe Bennet, Kerman, Lindsay Foreman

HRANA – Joe Bennet, the son of Craig and Lindsay Foreman, the British couple arrested in Iran about six months ago on espionage charges, has voiced concern over his parents’ situation, saying they have had no contact with him since their detention.

According to HRANA, quoting BBC Persian, Bennet said he learned of his parents’ arrest roughly six months ago and has not heard their voices since. He added that, based on what he has been told, his father and mother are being held “in a three-by-three-metre cell.”

In late February, Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir stated that the couple had been arrested by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence agents and were accused of “espionage.” The family rejects the allegation.

On February 13, 2025, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of Kerman Province announced in a statement that Hugo Shorter, the British ambassador to Iran, met with the two security detainees at the prosecutor’s office in the provincial capital.

The 52-year-old couple were detained in Kerman about six months ago. They had entered Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip and intended to travel on to Pakistan after a few days.

Iranian authorities have arrested numerous foreign nationals in recent years on charges such as espionage or cooperating with hostile states. While some have been released after prolonged negotiations, human-rights organizations and several Western governments accuse Tehran of using these detentions as political leverage—an accusation Iranian officials consistently deny.

Detained British Nationals, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, Accused of “Espionage”

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News, Other
Craig Foreman, HRANA, Hugo Shorter, irgc, IRGC’s intelligence, Lindsay Foreman

HRANA News Agency – The spokesperson for Iran’s judiciary has announced that Craig Foreman and Lindsay Foreman, two British nationals recently arrested in Kerman, have been charged with “espionage.”

According to HRANA, quoting Mizan, the judiciary’s official news outlet, the spokesperson confirmed the charges against the detained individuals. Asghar Jahangir, the judiciary spokesperson, stated that the arrests were carried out by the IRGC’s Intelligence Unit and that the couple is accused of gathering intelligence under the cover of tourism. He further alleged:

“The arrested individuals entered Iran under the guise of tourists. They gathered information in multiple provinces while pretending to conduct research and academic studies.”

On February 15, 2025, the Foreman family released a statement confirming the identities of the detainees. Expressing deep concern for their safety, they stated that they are working with the British government to secure their release.

Earlier, on February 13, 2025, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of Kerman announced that Hugo Shorter, the British Ambassador to Iran, had met with the detained individuals at the prosecutor’s office.

The couple, both in their early 50s, had entered Iran as part of a motorcycle world tour and had planned to continue their journey to Pakistan after a short stay.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have arrested multiple foreign nationals on charges of espionage or collaboration with hostile governments. While some have been released following political negotiations, human rights organizations and several Western governments have accused Iran of using such arrests as a means of political leverage—an allegation Iranian officials have consistently denied.

British Couple Arrested in Kerman Identified as Craig and Lindsay Foreman

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News, Other
Craig Foreman, HRANA, Kerman, Lindsay Foreman

HRANA News Agency – The identities of a British couple previously arrested in Kerman have been confirmed for the first time. The two individuals, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, are currently in detention on security-related charges.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, the couple’s family released a statement yesterday confirming their identities and expressing concern for their well-being. They also stated that they are cooperating with the UK government to ensure their safety and secure their return home.

Last Thursday, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office of Kerman province announced in a statement that Hugo Shorter, the UK ambassador to Iran, had met with these security-related detainees at the prosecutor’s office in Kerman.

The couple, both in their early 50s, had entered Iran as part of a worldwide motorcycle trip and had planned to travel to Pakistan after a short stay.

No details regarding the charges against the two British citizens have been disclosed so far.

In recent years, Iranian authorities have arrested multiple foreign nationals on charges such as espionage or collaboration with hostile governments. Some of these detainees have been released following political negotiations. Human rights organizations and several Western governments have accused Iran of using such arrests as leverage in diplomatic disputes—an allegation Iranian authorities have consistently denied.