Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
A couple from the UK, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, have resorted to a hunger strike while imprisoned in Iran on espionage charges, according to their son in an interview with the BBC. They were detained in January during their global motorcycle journey. Lindsay’s son, Joe Bennett, labeled the accusations as “ludicrous,” citing his mother’s statement that refusing to eat was her only form of protest. In a brief phone call sanctioned on Tuesday, Lindsay expressed feeling abandoned by both the UK government and Iranian authorities.
The Foremans entered Iran with the requisite documents, including valid visas, an authorized guide, and an approved travel itinerary, conforming to local regulations. Lindsay had been contemplating the concept of leading a virtuous life during their trip, which may have triggered their arrest, with accusations of posing questions that could instigate political shifts. Despite multiple court appearances, they have not undergone a formal trial or been convicted. They are currently confined in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison.
Communication with Lindsay has been sporadic since her detention, with only three phone conversations permitted, the first being in August after a prolonged period without direct contact. Joe Bennett, having met with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, voiced concerns about the case. The UK government strongly discourages travel to Iran due to potential arrest risks, especially for British citizens or individuals with UK ties. Consular support is being extended to the Foremans, with efforts to engage Iranian authorities directly on their behalf.
The couple’s isolation in Iran has been challenging, enduring solitary confinement early on before sharing a cell, and now being housed separately in Evin prison. Promised meetings have not materialized, with the last encounter being six weeks ago during a British embassy visit. Another consular visit is scheduled, though uncertainty looms regarding the couple’s fate. Mr. Bennett implores for heightened efforts from the UK to secure their release, emphasizing that the Foremans were not associated with British intelligence and simply wished to explore Iran’s beauty during their trip. The situation remains tense, with Lindsay’s emotional state and well-being hanging in the balance
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.