A British couple, Lindsay and Craig Foreman, sentenced to 10 years in prison in Iran on espionage charges, have lost their appeal, their family has confirmed.

The couple were arrested in January 2025 while passing through Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip. They were accused of spying, which they vehemently deny, and were sentenced in February.

Both are currently on hunger strike in Tehran's Evin prison. A member of their UK legal team told the BBC that no reason was given for the rejection of their appeal.

Lindsay's son, Joe Bennett, said they were "not permitted to attend their own appeal hearing," calling it a "serious human rights violation."

A Foreign Office spokesperson expressed disappointment and said efforts would continue to secure their safe return. Bennett said his mother and stepfather were asked to sign documents in Farsi they could not read and refused.

Barrister Haydee Dijkstal described them as "innocent tourists who are arbitrarily detained." The case has been referred to the Supreme Court, but the family is unclear on the timeline.

The couple have been prevented from contacting family since a BBC interview. Craig has refused food for 25 days, Lindsay for 16. Their last consular visit was in December.

The Foreign Office has called their detention "unjustified and appalling." Richard Ratcliffe, whose wife was held in Iran, said the appeal failure is a signal from the Iranian regime to the UK government.

Bennett hopes the British embassy can visit and provide basic items. He wants them to end the hunger strike but understands their desperation. "We just want them home," he said.

Source: www.bbc.com