A British couple detained in Iran on espionage charges they deny have spoken publicly for the first time since their incarceration, describing their despair and fear as they face a 10-year sentence.
Lindsay Foreman, 53, and her husband Craig, 52, were on a round-the-world motorcycle trip when they were arrested in January 2025 after crossing into Iran from Armenia. The couple, from East Sussex, were convicted in February and are now held in Tehran's notorious Evin prison.
"I'm dealing with the realisation that we're likely to be here for a long time," Lindsay told the BBC by phone from prison. She said she tries to stay sane by reading, walking laps of the yard, and practicing yoga, but admitted she is struggling.
Craig Foreman echoed her sentiment, saying, "We are innocent people. We have committed no offence." He appealed to the British government: "Just take action. Speak out. Get us out. It seems to me we're sitting here like sitting ducks."
The couple's son, Joe Bennett, now receives regular phone calls from his parents, which are patched through from payphones in Evin via the Foreign Office. Conversations are monitored and frequently interrupted by a Farsi recording stating the call is from a prisoner.
During the recent Israel-US war with Iran, the couple experienced intense fear as bombings occurred near the jail. Lindsay recalled a blast so close that "the windows popped out" while she was on the phone with Joe. A fragile ceasefire now holds, but prison life has returned to its monotonous routine.
Lindsay is isolated in her cell, with no English speakers, sleeping on a metal bunk. Craig is held with other foreigners, which provides some camaraderie. However, he described the lack of hygiene, healthcare, and dental care, as well as frequent fights among inmates.
The couple's troubles stem from Lindsay's research for a conference in Brisbane, where she was asking people about what constitutes a "good life." This line of questioning appears to have drawn Iranian authorities' suspicion.
Despite her doctorate in positive psychology, Lindsay experiences days of dark despair. "There are people who have been here for years, and it's just so unfair," she said, breaking down. Craig quickly comforted her: "We can do this. We will do this. We'll get through it together."
They are aware that many Iranians suffer more—Lindsay's cellmate was sentenced to death for participating in protests—and count themselves fortunate that their ordeal will eventually end, unlike some others.
Craig has witnessed four cellmates taken away for execution. "I know they've been executed because they publicise it on TV the next day," he said.
The couple acknowledged they were aware of Foreign Office advice against travel to Iran but did not expect such consequences. "I take responsibility for the choice I made to come here," Lindsay said. "And I have to live with the consequences."