Craig and Lindsay Foreman are a British couple imprisoned in Iran’s Evin Prison after being convicted of espionage by a Tehran Revolutionary Court in February 2026. The couple, both in their fifties and from Sussex, were arrested on 3 January 2025 whilst on a round-the-world motorcycle journey and sentenced to ten years each. They deny all charges, and the UK government has condemned the verdict as unjustifiable.

Who Are Craig and Lindsay Foreman?

Craig Foreman is a carpenter and Dr Lindsay Foreman is a life coach who holds a doctorate in psychology. The couple are originally from Sussex, England, but moved to Spain after Brexit. They gained some public attention after appearing in an episode of Channel 4’s reality series A New Life in the Sun in 2022.

In 2024, the couple embarked on an ambitious round-the-world motorcycle journey, with the ultimate destination of Australia, where Lindsay was due to present at a conference on positive psychology in Brisbane in July 2025. During the trip, Lindsay was reportedly conducting a research project, asking people she met along the way what it means to be human and what constitutes a good life.

How Were They Arrested in Iran?

Craig and Lindsay entered Iran from Armenia on 30 December 2024, despite the UK Foreign Office’s official advice against all travel to Iran. Their plan was to cross the country and reach Pakistan by 4 January 2025. They were arrested just three days into their Iranian leg of the journey, on 3 January 2025, and have been detained ever since.

Iranian authorities accused them of espionage, alleging they had been gathering intelligence in several parts of the country. The family strongly denies these allegations. Their son has publicly stated that at no point during the legal proceedings was any evidence of spying ever presented by the prosecution.

The Trial and Ten-Year Sentence

In October 2025, Craig and Lindsay appeared at a hearing at Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, a session that lasted around three hours. According to their family, the couple were not permitted to mount a proper legal defence during these proceedings. In February 2026, the court delivered its verdict: ten years each for espionage.

The sentencing on 19 February 2026 was widely condemned internationally. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described it as “completely appalling and totally unjustifiable,” adding that the Foreign Office would “pursue this case relentlessly with the Iranian government until we see Craig and Lindsay Foreman safely returned to the UK.” The Iranian government has maintained that the convictions are lawful.

Life Inside Evin Prison

The Foremans were initially held in custody in Kerman, central Iran. In August 2025, Craig was transferred to Evin Prison in Tehran, where he is held in the political wing. Lindsay is detained in the women’s section of the same prison. Evin Prison is widely considered Iran’s harshest detention facility and has been condemned by international rights organisations for alleged abuse and inhumane conditions.

The couple have reported that their situation inside the prison has been extremely difficult. They launched hunger strikes on at least two separate occasions – in late November 2025 and again from March 2026 – in protest at the lack of progress in their case. Their family has described the situation as “life-threatening” and accused Iranian authorities of using them as political hostages.

UK Government Response

The UK government has faced significant criticism over its handling of the case. The Foreign Office has consistently called for the Foremans’ release and summoned the Iranian ambassador following the sentencing. However, Craig and Lindsay’s son and wider family have expressed deep frustration at what they perceive as inadequate action.

In early March 2026, the family took their campaign for the couple’s freedom to Washington DC, seeking American diplomatic support, particularly in the context of ongoing negotiations over Iran. Their son has described feeling “let down” by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership on the matter.

Latest Developments (March 2026)

As of 23 March 2026, Craig Foreman issued a fresh message from inside Evin Prison describing his and Lindsay’s surroundings as a “war zone,” referencing the broader regional conflict affecting Iran. In the recorded message, Craig urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to publicly reject the spying accusations and to “step out of the shadows” in speaking out more forcefully on their behalf. Both remain imprisoned and their appeals process is ongoing.

For those wishing to understand how prisoners in foreign jails can receive support, or for families awaiting the release of a loved one from custody, information on the parole and release process and prisoner support services may be useful context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Craig and Lindsay Foreman in prison?

Craig and Lindsay Foreman are in prison in Iran after being convicted of espionage by Tehran’s Revolutionary Court in February 2026. They were arrested on 3 January 2025 whilst travelling through Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip. Both deny all charges and their family says no evidence of spying was ever presented in court.

Where are Craig and Lindsay Foreman being held?

Craig Foreman is held in the political wing of Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran. Lindsay Foreman is held in the women’s section of the same prison. Evin Prison is considered one of Iran’s harshest detention facilities and has been the subject of extensive criticism from international human rights organisations.

How long is their prison sentence?

Craig and Lindsay Foreman were each sentenced to ten years in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court on 19 February 2026. The UK government condemned the sentences as completely appalling and unjustifiable. An appeals process is underway.

What has the UK government done to help Craig and Lindsay Foreman?

The UK Foreign Office has formally condemned the sentences and summoned the Iranian ambassador. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has pledged to pursue the case relentlessly. However, the Foremans’ family has criticised the government for not doing enough, and in March 2026, Craig Foreman himself urged Prime Minister Starmer to speak out more forcefully on their behalf.

Did Craig and Lindsay Foreman go on hunger strike in prison?

Yes. Craig and Lindsay Foreman staged at least two hunger strikes during their detention. The first was reported in November 2025, and a second began in March 2026. They took this action to protest the lack of progress in securing their release and what they described as violations of their rights within the Iranian prison system.