Grave Human Rights Concerns Regarding the Arbitrary Detention, Unfair Trial, and Hunger Strike of British Couple Nationals Craig and Lindsay Foreman in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Executive Summary
Finn Right International, a human rights commission based in Finland, expresses its gravest concern regarding the ongoing arbitrary detention, unlawful judicial proceedings, and life-threatening hunger strike of British Couple nationals Craig Foreman and Lindsay Foreman in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The couple entered Iran lawfully as tourists in January 2025, were convicted of espionage in February 2026, and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment in Tehran’s Evin Prison.
Their appeal was rejected in June 2026 following proceedings marked by severe procedural irregularities that failed to meet basic fair trial guarantees.
Both individuals are currently on a prolonged hunger strike Lindsay Foreman for over 30 days and Craig Foreman for over 20 days creating an acute medical emergency that places their lives at imminent risk.
Background of the Case
Craig and Lindsay Foreman, residents of East Sussex, United Kingdom, were arrested in January 2025 in Kerman, central Iran, while traveling through the country on a round-the-world motorcycle journey.
They entered Iran with valid visas and a licensed guide.
In February 2026, the couple was convicted of espionage by the Tehran Revolutionary Court and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment charges both individuals vehemently deny.
The couple is being held separately within Evin Prison: Lindsay in the women’s section and Craig in the political wing.
The Hunger Strike and Immediate Health Emergency
Lindsay Foreman has been refusing food for more than 30 days, while her husband Craig Foreman has been on hunger strike for more than 20 days.
According to the family, Craig has now reached 39 days of hunger strike.
United Nations experts have confirmed that refusing food for 30 days constitutes a medical emergency.
Both individuals are deteriorating rapidly. Craig currently consuming only sugar, milk, and water is becoming visibly weaker.
The cumulative impact of prolonged detention, forced separation, denial of family contact, and the ongoing hunger strike has created an acute risk to both their health and lives.
The couple commenced their hunger strike shortly after their communications with the outside world were severed.
They have been denied all contact with their families since early May 2026 and continue to be refused consular visits. Their last consular visit took place in December 2025.
Procedural Irregularities and Human Rights Violations
The judicial proceedings against Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been marked by grave irregularities constituting serious violations of international human rights law.
Denial of Fair Trial Guarantees
The couple was not permitted to attend their own appeal hearing, which was conducted entirely without their knowledge.
They were presented with documents written in Farsi a language they cannot read and refused to sign them.
They received minimal information regarding the proceedings and remain effectively without legal representation.
Lack of Due Process
UN experts have raised serious concerns regarding an alleged absence of evidence, failure to ensure legal representation of their choice, language barriers, lack of due process safeguards, and allegations that interrogations were conducted under torture or other forms of ill-treatment.
“These are not minor procedural defects. They go to the legality of the arrest, the credibility of the prosecution and the safety of the convictions,” UN experts stated.
Harsh Detention Conditions
The couple is held in Evin Prison, long condemned by international human rights organizations for its dire conditions and treatment of detainees.
Family members have raised specific concerns about cramped cells, inadequate food, and the presence of rats and cockroaches within the facility.
Broader Pattern of Arbitrary Detention
UN experts have expressed serious concern that the detention of the Foremans forms part of a broader and documented pattern of foreign nationals being arbitrarily detained in Iran on fabricated or unsupported charges for political leverage.
“People must never be used as pawns in inter-State relations.
Detaining foreign citizens as a tool of political or diplomatic pressure fundamentally undermines the principles of international relations and may be classified as hostage-taking under international law, according to UN experts.
Hostage-taking is explicitly prohibited under the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages, to which Iran is a signatory.
UN experts further warned that such conduct may constitute psychological torture or cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.
International Response
United Nations
UN Special Rapporteurs Dr Alice Edwards and Mai Sato have publicly condemned the detention and called for the couple’s immediate release.
They have urged Iranian authorities to ensure immediate access to independent medical care, protect the couple’s dignity and wellbeing, restore their rights including family contact and consular access, and release Lindsay and Craig Foreman without further delay.
United Kingdom
The UK Foreign Office has described the couple’s continued incarceration as “unjustified and appalling” and stated it will continue working toward their safe return.
The family, however, has criticized the UK government’s response, stating the pair are being used as “effective human shields.”
Finn Right International Position and Demands
Finn Right International condemns in the strongest possible terms the arbitrary detention, unfair trial, and inhumane treatment of Craig and Lindsay Foreman by the Iranian authorities.
We affirm that:
Craig and Lindsay Foreman should not be in prison. They appear to have been wrongfully detained, prosecuted on highly questionable grounds, and sentenced following proceedings that failed to meet basic fair trial guarantees.
The prolonged hunger strike constitutes a medical emergency demanding immediate intervention by Iranian authorities to preserve the couple’s lives.
The denial of fair trial guarantees, consular access, and family contact constitutes a serious violation of international human rights law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Iran is a signatory, and the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages.
Call to Action
Finn Right International urgently calls upon the following parties to act without delay:
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran must immediately provide independent medical care to Craig and Lindsay Foreman to address the life-threatening consequences of their hunger strike, restore consular access and family contact without further delay, reopen the cases, quash the convictions, and order the unconditional release of both individuals, and permanently cease the practice of arbitrarily detaining foreign nationals for political leverage.
The Government of the United Kingdom must exhaust every available diplomatic means to secure the couple’s freedom, ensure the case is prioritized across all bilateral and multilateral engagements with Iran, and consider all available mechanisms including referral to international judicial bodies.
The United Nations and the international community must maintain sustained pressure on Iranian authorities regarding this case, continue to monitor and report on the human rights situation in Iran particularly regarding the arbitrary detention of foreign nationals, and ensure that any future diplomatic agreements with Iran include provisions for the release of wrongfully detained foreign nationals.
Conclusion
Craig and Lindsay Foreman are innocent civilians who entered Iran lawfully as tourists.
They have been subjected to arbitrary detention, an unfair trial, inhumane prison conditions, and are now engaged in a life-threatening hunger strike as a desperate act of protest against a fundamentally unjust system.
Their continued detention constitutes a grave violation of their fundamental human rights. Finn Right International stands in complete solidarity with Craig and Lindsay Foreman and their family, and demands their immediate and unconditional release.
Finn Right International
Human Rights Commission
Finland
Evin Prison Iran: British Couple Among Political Detainees Held Without Fair Trial
