A British couple has been detained in Iran on charges of espionage. Craig and Lindsey Foreman, both 52, were taken into custody last week in Kerman, southeast Iran, according to state media. They had been on a motorbike tour of the world and planned to stay in Iran for five days before their arrest. A statement released by their family read: ‘This unexpected turn of events has caused significant concern for our entire family, and we are deeply focused on ensuring their safety and wellbeing during this trying time.’.
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran for British nationals. After staying in Tabriz, Tehran and Isfahan, they never reached their hotel in Kerman. Before entering Iran, Dr Foreman posted on social media they were about to ‘tackle one of the most challenging—and let’s be honest, slightly scary—sections of our journey’. But she added they have chosen to ignore the advice of family and the Foreign Office about entering the country, saying: ‘Yes, we’re aware of the risks. But we also know the rewards of meeting incredible people, hearing their stories, and seeing the breathtaking landscapes of these regions could far outweigh the fear.
‘We’re carrying your love and good wishes with us, so stay tuned for updates from this unforgettable part of our adventure.’. Iranian law does not include an actual definition of espionage, according to Iran Wire. It’s unclear what the couple could have possibly done to receive the charge, but Iran has lodged such charges against foreigners in the past. In 2009, two American hikers were sentenced to eight years in prison on charges of espionage after they accidentally strayed onto Iranian land while on a hike.
Famously, British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was sentenced to prison on charges of ‘spreading propaganda against Iran’. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: Real Madrid can beat Manchester City in another high-scoring Champions League classic. Arrow MORE: My hair has never looked, felt or smelt better since using this lightweight styling oil from Amika.
