UN Calls for Release of British Couple Sentenced in Iran

Thu Jun 18 2026 06:32:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

UN human‑rights experts urge the Iranian authorities to free 10‑year‑sentence holders, Lindsay and Craig Foreman, whose detention has sparked international criticism.

Unilateral 10‑year sentences for British citizens Lindsay and Craig Foreman in Iran have triggered a UN call for their release, citing grave procedural irregularities and a potential political motive. The couple were detained while travelling in Iran on a motorcycle tour and now face a hunger strike in Tehran’s Evin prison after their recent appeal was dismissed. Human‑rights specialists Alice Edwards and Mai Sato warn that the imprisonment is a medical emergency, and they urge the UK government to push for diplomatic action. The couple’s family says they have been unable to visit them since December and stresses the need for their safe return.

UN Calls for Release of British Couple Sentenced in Iran

UN human‑rights experts Dr Alice Edwards and Mai Sato have called for the immediate release of British citizens Lindsay and Craig Foreman, who were sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment in Iran on spying charges.

The couple were detained in January 2025 while traveling in Iran on a round‑the‑world motorcycle trip, and they insist they did nothing wrong. Their detention has been described by the experts as being marked by “grave irregularities” and possibly for political leverage.

Both Foremans have entered a hunger strike in Tehran’s Evin jail after their telephone contact with family was cut off last month. Edwards warned that a 30‑day food deprivation would be a medical emergency that could endanger their lives.

The UK Foreign Office said it would continue diplomatic efforts to secure their safe return, but their last consular visit was in December. The Foremans’ case is now before the Iranian Supreme Court, with their family uncertain about the legal timeline.

Family spokesperson Joe Bennett urged that any peace framework with Iran must include the release of foreign detainees and condemned deals that leave human beings behind in prison cells.

For more on the issue, see the BBC articles British couple lose Iran jail sentence appeal and Son calls for Iran prisoner exchange.