Craig and Lindsay Foreman, a couple from East Sussex, have officially ended their hunger strikes after durations of 93 and 84 days. The pair had been detained in Iran since January 2025 during a motorcycle expedition from Europe to Australia. Following accusations of espionage, they received 10-year prison sentences in February, though Craig Foreman’s term was reportedly extended by two years after he engaged with the media.
The couple initiated the protest in May, citing the denial of contact with their families by prison officials. According to their relatives, the strike served as a broader protest against the conditions faced by both the couple and fellow inmates. During the final five days, the protest expanded to include supporters outside the prison in the UK, as well as other individuals held within Tehran’s Evin jail.
Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman’s son, noted that the final stage of the protest sought to unite participants around principles of justice and solidarity. While the couple consumed only milk and diluted honey or salt during their fast, their current medical condition remains unclear. This marks the end of their second period of fasting, with a previous attempt occurring in November.
Family members have recently consulted with UK government officials, including Alistair Burt and Stephen Doughty, regarding the case. Bennett characterized these meetings as productive but urged the government to pursue diplomatic avenues to secure the couple’s release, explicitly labeling their situation as arbitrary detention. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has been approached for a response regarding the ongoing matter.
