British couple detained in Iran for espionage on hunger strike

According to their son Joe Bennett, they have been beaten, deprived of sleep, and threatened with execution during interrogations designed to extract confessions.

By Jewish Breaking News

A British couple imprisoned in Iran on trumped-up espionage allegations have gone on hunger strike.

Combining their love for motorcycle travel with academic curiosity, Craig and Lindsay Foreman were on a global expedition to explore different cultures when they crossed from Armenia into Iran on December 30.

Despite the UK government’s warnings against travel to the region, the Foremans remained optimistic.

“The UK government advises against all but essential travel to these areas, and the news paints a pretty grim picture,” the couple wrote on Facebook at the time.

“But here’s the thing: overlanders and travelers who’ve ventured through these regions speak of nothing but warm hospitality, incredible landscapes, and memories that last a lifetime.”

Accompanied by a tour guide, they visited the country’s ancient cities of Tabriz, Tehran, and Isfahan. On January 2, Lindsay shared what would become her final Instagram post.

“Travel has a way of reminding you of what really matters,” she wrote. “On this journey around the world, we’ve felt a deep sense of connection – and nowhere more so than here in Iran.”

Since then, Iran International reports that the couple had been held in solitary confinement at Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison, subjected to torture by agents of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence.

According to their son Joe Bennett, they have been beaten, deprived of sleep, and threatened with execution during interrogations designed to extract confessions.

“She was crying and I had to try not to cry on the call because I wanted to stay strong for her and pass the strength on,” Joe Bennett describes the seven-minute conversation he had with his mother on Sunday to the BBC. “Not eating was the only power she’s got.”

Since his parents’ arrest, Joe has only been able to speak to his mother three times, and although the Formans have appeared in court several times, they have not yet been officially tried or convicted.