UK Couple Held in Iran End Hunger Strikes, Family Says
British couple Lindsay and Craig Foreman have ended months-long hunger strikes protesting their detention in Iran, while their family continues to campaign for their release after they were sentenced to 10 years for espionage charges they deny.
A British couple detained in Iran after being accused of spying have ended their latest months-long hunger strikes, according to their family.
Lindsay and Craig Foreman, both in their early 50s, were arrested in January 2025 while travelling through central Iran during a round-the-world motorcycle trip. They have denied the espionage allegations against them.
The couple were each sentenced to 10 years in prison in February 2026. Craig later received an additional two-year sentence after speaking to the media, according to his stepson.
They began their latest hunger strikes in May to protest their treatment and what they described as the serious physical impact of their detention. Craig reportedly continued for 93 days, while Lindsay's lasted 84 days.
Their family said the couple decided to end the protest after almost three months, turning the final five days into what they called a “fast for good” to draw attention to the rights and welfare of other prisoners in Iran.
The couple have previously complained about overcrowded and unsanitary conditions at Evin Prison in Tehran, where they are being held.
UN human rights experts had earlier warned that their prolonged hunger strike posed serious risks to their health and raised concerns that their detention could amount to hostage-taking.
Their family said the immediate priority is now their health and securing their release after more than 18 months in detention. The family also expressed concern that the UK embassy in Iran has been operating remotely since it was closed again on July 22.
Related stories
News
Tinubu Urges Medical College To Solve Doctor ‘Japa’ Syndrome
President Bola Tinubu has tasked the West African College of Physicians with developing practical solutions to doctors’ migration and West Africa’s medical brain drain.
News
Shoprite Set To Open Neighbourhood Stores After Shutdown
Shoprite Nigeria plans to open standalone neighbourhood stores after reopening three outlets, as investors pursue a strategy to cut costs and revive operations.
News
Blaming Opposition For Hunger Is ‘Delusion’ — Atiku Tells Tinubu
Atiku Abubakar has accused President Tinubu of evading responsibility for Nigeria’s economic hardship after blaming opposition politicians for hunger and poverty.
News
Tinubu Accuses Opposition of Creating Hunger, Poverty
President Bola Tinubu has accused opposition parties of creating the hunger and poverty they now criticise his administration over, insisting that his government is working to eradicate hardship and deliver economic prosperity.

Comments (0)
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before publishing. Your email is never published.