Family's Plea for British Couple Detained in Iran Amid Deteriorating Health
The family of Lindsay and Craig Foreman, a British couple detained in Iran since January, is urgently appealing to the UK government for assistance in securing their release. They express grave concerns about the couple's rapidly deteriorating health and the "horrific conditions" they are enduring in prison.
Arrest and Espionage Allegations
Lindsay and Craig Foreman, from East Sussex, were arrested by Iranian authorities in January while on a round-the-world motorcycle tour. They have been charged with espionage, allegations that the family vehemently denies. Their son, Joe Bennett, reports that his parents are being held in cramped cells without mattresses and are suffering from untreated illnesses and malnutrition.
Family's Growing Concerns
Mr. Bennett, of Folkestone, Kent, has voiced deep anxieties regarding his parents' physical and mental well-being. He stated that his parents are "mentally resilient" but their physical health is "really starting to suffer." Following a recent court appearance in Tehran, he described the family as "exhausted" and "terrified by what may come next," with a verdict potentially imminent.
The family also claims they requested a UK Foreign Office official to attend the hearing but were denied. They also raise concerns that the court-appointed lawyer reportedly had to correct multiple mistranslations and are unsure if the couple was given an opportunity to present a defense.
Deteriorating Health and Limited Contact
The last direct contact the family had with Lindsay and Craig Foreman was nearly two months ago, with only one phone call permitted. Mr. Bennett is particularly worried about his stepfather's untreated tooth abscess and his mother’s recent need for a drip in prison. The lack of direct information and access to proper medical care amplifies the family's distress.
"I have nightmares thinking about how Mum and Craig can possibly be coping with this injustice, hearing false accusations, feeling helpless to be able to defend themselves, knowing that their words have been mistranslated. The court case may be moving forward, but our parents are still trapped in horrific conditions." - Joe Bennett
Government Response and Family's Plea for Action
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has agreed to meet with the family in October after receiving a letter signed by 35 MPs. While welcoming this development, the family stresses that immediate action is required. A spokesperson for the FCDO stated: "We are deeply concerned by reports that Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been charged with espionage in Iran. We continue to raise this case directly with the Iranian authorities. The FCDO are providing them with consular assistance and remain in close contact with their family members." The family, however, maintains that the UK government "cannot continue to let this just happen."
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