Briton's Iran jail sentence extended by two years, family says

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Briton's Iran jail sentence extended by two years, family saysImage source, PA MediaImage caption, Lindsay and Craig Foreman were detained in Iran in 2025ByCaroline HawleyDiplomatic correspondentPublished7 minutes agoA British man jailed in Iran after being accused of spying has had two further years added to his decade-long sentence, according to family members. Craig Foreman was arrested with his wife, Lindsay, in January last year while passing through Iran on a motorcycle journey from Europe to Australia. Both adamantly deny espionage.

In February, they were each sentenced to 10 years in prison. But relatives of Craig Foreman have said he has been informed that his punishment is now being extended, for talking to the media from his cell in Tehran's Evin prison. "We understand he was told he was being taken to see his lawyer but was instead brought before a judge and informed of the additional sentence," said Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman's son and a spokesperson for the family.

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Bennett added that, despite requests, his father "was allowed no lawyer, no translator and no opportunity to defend himself". "We didn't think we could be any more shocked at their appalling treatment, but in this case we are absolutely flabbergasted," he added. Craig and Lindsay Foreman have both been on hunger strike since May, when prison authorities preventing them from calling their families.

The family, who are growing increasingly concerned for their health, are now appealing to the Iranian authorities to show mercy, and set them free. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Joe Bennett, Lindsay's son, said he is concerned about the couple's health after they went on hunger strikeLast week, a US-based human rights group, HRANA, said it had received information that Craig Foreman had lost about 16kg (35lb) and Lindsay Foreman was suffering from dizziness and body tremors. Their family now says that a letter written to them asking them to end their hunger strike had not been delivered, nor had medication and other basic supplies.

"My mum and Craig are 18 months into an ordeal they should never have known," said Bennett. "They are weak, they are hungry, and now Craig is being punished simply for being heard. To add two more years to an innocent man's sentence, in secret and with no chance to defend himself, is a flagrant abuse of the most basic rights any person is owed.

"Last month, two United Nations human rights experts called on Iran to release the couple, saying that proceedings against them had been marked by grave irregularities. "Lindsay and Craig Foreman should not be in prison," said UN special rapporteurs Dr Alice Edwards and Mai Sato. "They appear to have been wrongfully detained, prosecuted on highly questionable grounds, and sentenced after proceedings that failed to meet basic fair trial guarantees.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.