British Couple Detained in Iran: Family Raises Alarm Over Deteriorating Health in Prison

Published: 28 September ‘2025. the English Chronicle Desk

The family of Lindsay and Craig Foreman, a British couple detained in Iran on espionage allegations, have raised urgent concerns about their deteriorating health while in custody. Both 52, the couple, who previously divided their time between Spain and England, were arrested in January during an around-the-world motorcycle tour in Kerman, central Iran. Since their detention, Lindsay and Craig Foreman have faced harsh prison conditions, and their family claims that their physical well-being has worsened significantly.

Iranian authorities accused the Foremans of entering the country under the guise of tourism with the alleged intent to collect intelligence, a claim that the couple has categorically denied. In February, state officials formally charged them with espionage, heightening international concern over their safety and treatment. The accusations have drawn attention from human rights organisations and government officials worldwide, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic tensions surrounding British nationals in Iran.

The couple’s family has expressed alarm over the lack of information regarding their conditions and the apparent slow response from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Speaking to the BBC, Lindsay’s son, Joe Bennett, said: “There are real concerns around my mum and Craig’s health. Craig is constantly ill, multiple rounds of stomach bugs, flu, dental problems, without the correct medical care. It’s to my understanding that my mum was on a drip last week. Unsure as to why, but obviously very, very concerning for us as a family.”

Bennett further told Sky News that the family has faced extended periods of uncertainty regarding the couple’s whereabouts and medical conditions. Even after court appearances in Iran, updates on their situation often take seven to ten days to reach the family, leaving them in a state of anxious waiting. “We anticipate hearing news after a court appearance, but communication delays make the process agonising,” Bennett said, describing the emotional toll that months of silence have imposed on the family.

The couple’s transfer to different detention facilities has compounded concerns. Lindsay Foreman is reportedly being held at Qarchak women’s prison near Tehran, a facility that has repeatedly been criticised by human rights organisations for poor living conditions, lack of proper medical care, and overcrowding. Craig Foreman is believed to be detained at Tehran’s central prison, known as Fashafouyeh, approximately 30 kilometers south of the capital. This prison has a longstanding reputation for harsh conditions, with reports from former inmates describing inadequate healthcare, limited access to clean facilities, and psychological strain imposed by prolonged detention.

Human rights groups monitoring the situation in Iran have warned that both Qarchak and Fashafouyeh are places where detainees often endure severe conditions, making access to timely and adequate medical care challenging. In light of these reports, the Foremans’ family has voiced fears that the couple’s health may continue to decline if urgent intervention is not made.

The FCDO has issued repeated travel warnings, advising all British and British-Iranian nationals against travelling to Iran due to a “significant risk of arrest, questioning, or detention.” A spokesperson for the office stated: “We are deeply concerned by reports that two British nationals have been charged with espionage in Iran. We continue to raise this case directly with the Iranian authorities. We are providing them with consular assistance and remain in close contact with their family members.” Despite these assurances, the Foremans’ relatives report feeling left in the dark regarding developments in the case and the couple’s welfare.

The circumstances surrounding the Foremans’ arrest and detention have also sparked debate among international legal experts and human rights advocates. Critics argue that the couple’s seizure raises serious questions about due process, transparency, and adherence to international standards for the treatment of prisoners. Espionage charges, particularly against foreign nationals, often entail complex legal proceedings, but families and observers have repeatedly called for clarity and humanitarian considerations in the Foremans’ case.

For the Foreman family, the ordeal has been particularly harrowing. Throughout their detention, they have faced prolonged uncertainty about the couple’s physical and mental well-being. Reports of Craig Foreman’s repeated bouts of illness, including flu, gastrointestinal problems, and dental complications, highlight the risks posed by inadequate medical attention in prison. Meanwhile, Lindsay Foreman’s reliance on intravenous treatment, described by family members as being “on a drip,” underscores the urgent need for proper healthcare and monitoring in custody.

The Foremans’ case is occurring against the backdrop of heightened international scrutiny regarding Iran’s treatment of foreign nationals. Previous instances of arrests of British and dual-national citizens have sparked diplomatic protests and high-level negotiations, often drawing attention to the conditions of detention and the broader implications for bilateral relations. Analysts suggest that the situation reflects a broader pattern of legal and political challenges faced by foreigners in Iran, where charges of espionage are sometimes levied in sensitive geopolitical contexts.

As court proceedings continue, the family has expressed frustration at the slow pace of updates and limited access to reliable information. The uncertainty surrounding potential trial dates, outcomes, and conditions of detention has placed additional strain on the family’s emotional and mental well-being. “It’s deeply worrying that the Foreign Office appears not to have been kept fully informed,” Bennett said, highlighting the challenges faced by families when diplomatic channels fail to provide timely reassurances.

International observers have also noted that the Foremans’ health risks are exacerbated by the general conditions in Iranian prisons, where overcrowding, limited medical supplies, and strict regulations can create hazardous environments for detainees. The situation has prompted calls from human rights organisations for immediate attention to their well-being, urging that international law and humanitarian standards be respected.

Despite these challenges, the Foreman family continues to advocate for transparency, support, and diplomatic pressure to ensure the couple’s safety. They have maintained a public profile for the case, seeking media coverage to draw attention to the situation and to encourage the relevant authorities to act swiftly. “We just want to know that our loved ones are safe and receiving the care they need,” Bennett said, encapsulating the anxiety that has dominated the family’s months-long ordeal.

The ongoing detention of Lindsay and Craig Foreman serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by foreign nationals in complex geopolitical environments. Their case highlights the intersection of legal, diplomatic, and humanitarian considerations, demonstrating how individuals can become entangled in broader political dynamics far beyond their control.

As the Foremans face continued imprisonment, their health remains a critical concern. Advocacy groups, family members, and legal observers stress the need for urgent intervention to ensure that both Lindsay and Craig receive adequate medical attention and humane treatment. The unfolding situation also underscores the broader challenges faced by governments in protecting citizens abroad and navigating the intricacies of international law in sensitive cases.

With court proceedings ongoing and little direct access to the couple, the Foreman family remains in a state of uncertainty, awaiting updates from both Iranian authorities and the British Foreign Office. Their plight has ignited discussions about consular support, the rights of detainees, and the responsibilities of nations to safeguard citizens in foreign jurisdictions. For the family, the immediate priority is clear: the health and well-being of Lindsay and Craig Foreman must be safeguarded, and timely, accurate information must be made available to those who are most affected by their detention.