Is a Hunger Strike the Only Option for the British Couple Detained in Iran?

The case of Craig and Lindsay Foreman, a British couple imprisoned in Iran on espionage accusations, has taken a distressing turn as they embark on a hunger strike in a desperate plea for help. Their son, Joe Bennett, described their situation as "ludicrous," emphasising their innocence and the lack of a fair trial. This article delves into the couple's circumstances, the implications for UK citizens travelling to Iran, and the response from the UK government.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been held in Iran since January 2023 under allegations of espionage, which their family vehemently denies. The couple was on a motorbike journey around the world when they were arrested in Kerman, Iran. They have reportedly been detained without formal charges or trial, with their son Joe Bennett indicating that the situation is becoming increasingly desperate. Now, amidst their harrowing experience, they have resorted to a hunger strike, described by Mr Bennett as a "cry out for help" during a recent phone call with his mother.

Key takeaways

The Foremans were arrested in January 2023 while travelling through Iran.
They are accused of espionage, without clear evidence or a fair trial.
The couple is currently imprisoned in Evin Prison, a notorious facility in Tehran.
They have embarked on a hunger strike to draw attention to their plight.
The UK government has advised against travel to Iran due to risks of arbitrary detention.

Timeline: how we got here

Since their arrest in January 2023, several key developments have unfolded:

January 2023: Craig and Lindsay Foreman are arrested by Iranian authorities while travelling through Iran.
February 2023: The couple reportedly spends 30 days in solitary confinement before being moved to shared cells.
August 2023: After months of no contact, the couple is allowed their first phone calls home.
October 2023: Joe Bennett reveals that his parents have begun a hunger strike, highlighting their dire situation.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Joe Bennett's recent statements have shed light on the distress and desperation faced by his parents, particularly their decision to go on a hunger strike as a means of protest. This development comes amid claims that they are being held without trial and that their situation is becoming increasingly dire.

What was already established

The Foremans entered Iran with valid visas and had been following legal protocols. Despite this, they have been accused of espionage without substantive evidence, and have not yet had a formal trial. Previous reports indicated that Lindsay was detained for asking questions about the concept of a good life, which Iranian authorities have interpreted as a threat to the regime.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The case raises significant concerns for UK travellers. The UK government has long warned against travel to Iran, citing a "significant risk" of arrest for British passport holders. This incident may deter potential travellers, impacting tourism and bilateral relations.

Businesses and jobs

For UK businesses, particularly those in the travel and tourism sector, the situation could lead to a decrease in interest in trips to Iran. The risk of arbitrary detention is likely to deter both travel agencies and individuals from pursuing opportunities in the region.

Policy and regulation

The UK government is under pressure to take a firmer stance on the issue, as the Foremans’ case highlights the risks faced by British citizens abroad. There may be calls for a review of travel advisories and more robust measures to ensure the safety of UK nationals in countries with similar risks.

Numbers that matter

9 months: Length of time the Foremans have been detained without formal charges.
3: Number of phone calls Joe Bennett has had with his mother since her arrest.
30 days: Duration the couple spent in solitary confinement after their arrest.
2: Number of separate cells they are currently held in at Evin Prison.
1: The number of times they have been allowed a consular visit from the UK embassy in the past six weeks.

Definitions and jargon buster

Espionage: The act of spying or using spies to obtain secret information, especially regarding government or military affairs.
Evin Prison: A notorious prison in Tehran, known for housing political prisoners and dissidents.
FCDO: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the UK government department responsible for foreign affairs.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the UK government may intensify diplomatic efforts to secure the Foremans' release, potentially increasing pressure on the Iranian government. There may also be heightened media coverage that could influence public opinion and government action.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the medium term, the situation could evolve depending on diplomatic relations between the UK and Iran. If the government does not make significant progress, public pressure may lead to policy changes regarding how the UK engages with Iran.

Signals to watch

Updates on the couple's legal situation and any potential court dates.
Statements from the FCDO regarding actions taken or planned to assist the Foremans.
Changes in UK travel advisories related to Iran.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the situation and any updates from the UK government.
Consider travel advisories seriously if planning a trip to Iran.
Engage with organisations that advocate for the rights of detained British citizens abroad.

Don’t

Assume that all travel to Iran is safe for UK citizens.
Ignore the potential risks associated with engaging with local authorities.
Dismiss the importance of diplomatic efforts in securing the release of detained citizens.

Checklist

Keep up to date with news on UK citizens in Iran.
Research legal protections available to British citizens abroad.
Review travel insurance policies for coverage in politically sensitive regions.
Understand the local laws and customs before travelling to Iran.
Prepare a contingency plan in case of emergency while abroad.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation of the Foremans is fraught with uncertainties. The Iranian government's motives for their detention remain unclear, and the likelihood of a fair trial is questionable. While the UK government is providing consular assistance, the effectiveness of these efforts is uncertain. The risks of arbitrary detention in Iran are well-documented, and potential changes in diplomatic relations could influence the couple's fate.

Bottom line

The plight of Craig and Lindsay Foreman serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by British citizens travelling to Iran. Their hunger strike highlights the urgency of their situation and the need for a concerted response from the UK government. As the case unfolds, it is crucial for potential travellers to remain aware of the inherent dangers and for the UK to advocate vigorously for its citizens' rights abroad.

FAQs

What are the charges against Craig and Lindsay Foreman?

The Foremans are accused of espionage, a claim their family describes as ludicrous, asserting that they were in Iran legally and engaging with local culture.

Why did the Foremans go on a hunger strike?

The couple went on a hunger strike as a desperate measure to draw attention to their plight and express their feelings of helplessness while imprisoned.

What is the UK government's stance on travel to Iran?

The UK government advises against all travel to Iran, citing significant risks of arbitrary detention for British passport holders.