British couple detained in Iran expected to face court, family says

A British couple detained in Iran since January are set to appear in court on Saturday, their family says, though they remain in the dark about the hearing.

Lindsay and Craig Foreman, from East Sussex, were traveling by motorcycle around the world when they were detained by Iranian authorities earlier this year and later charged with espionage, charges their family denies. The couple’s son, Joe Bennett, said the family has been left with little information and that the pair are enduring “horrific conditions and suffering repeated human rights violations.” Bennett called on the U.K. government to press for greater consular access and accountability.

The family said they had been told the Foremans were scheduled to appear in court in Iran on Saturday, a development that comes roughly a month after they were “suddenly whisked” into court with no notice and without details shared with relatives. In a letter signed by 35 MPs and members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Arbitrary Detention and Hostage Affairs, the family urged Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to intervene and secure clearer information and due process.

The U.K. government has repeatedly said it is deeply concerned for the couple’s welfare. An FCDO spokesperson has said it continues to raise the case directly with Iranian authorities and is providing consular support to the family wherever possible.

The Foremans’ son, who lives in Folkestone, Kent, described a daily struggle for survival and dignity. “This is about survival and dignity. Every day is painful and filled with fear and sadness — they do not have the luxury of waiting for bureaucratic wheels to slowly turn,” Bennett said. “They need real, tangible support for their court appearances and to ensure proper medical attention, regular family contact and the urgent securing of their release.”

Relatives met earlier this month with the U.K. Ambassador to Iran, Hugo Shorter, who confirmed the couple continued to endure very tough prison conditions. The family said they hope the upcoming court appearance will bring some clarity and a path toward resolution, though they cautioned that few details have been forthcoming since the detention.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about the treatment of detainees in Iran and the challenges faced by British families seeking information and access. The Foremans were reported to be on a global motorcycle journey when they were detained, adding to the international interest in their situation and the broader issue of consular support for dual nationals and foreign citizens in Iranian custody.