The son of a British woman imprisoned in Iran has launched a scathing attack on the UK government, labelling its response to his mother's year-long detention as "criminal". Joe Bennett's condemnation came as he delivered a petition with 70,000 signatures to Downing Street, demanding more decisive action.
A Year of 'Traumatic' Captivity
Lindsay Foreman and her partner Craig were seized by Iranian authorities on 3 January 2025. The couple were on a four-day motorbike tour of the country as part of a round-the-world holiday when they were detained. They face accusations of espionage, which they vehemently deny.
Speaking at a rally in London to mark the grim anniversary, Joe Bennett told Sky News the past year has been "crazy" and "the most traumatic long time of our lives". He revealed alarming details about his mother's condition, stating she is now "malnourished" and enduring horrific prison conditions.
"She's sleeping on a metal frame. You know, it's horrible conditions. There are rats and vermin everywhere. She's woken up with rats in her bed," Bennett said. He warned that their health is deteriorating day by day, despite his mother putting on a "brave face".
'Passive' Government Approach Criticised
While acknowledging that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has maintained communication, Bennett slammed the overall government strategy as dangerously passive. He expressed fury that the state his parents are accused of spying for has not publicly defended them.
"There's almost this philosophy to let this judicial system play out, which is of course a complete circus, and the fact that they're both being accused of espionage for the British state and the state that they're being accused of spying for aren't coming out in public defending them, I think is criminal, really," Bennett stated.
He directly called for a response from the Prime Minister, emphasising that today's rally was about "trying to unite people" to increase pressure.
Echoes of a Previous Ordeal
The rally was attended by Richard Ratcliffe, whose wife, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, was held in Iran for over five years before her release in 2022. His presence underscored the fear of a protracted ordeal for the Foremans.
"It brings back tough memories of what we went through, how long it lasted - how you need to keep going," Ratcliffe said. He offered support but also scepticism regarding government efforts, noting that in his own case, he grew doubtful about what was being done behind closed doors as the years passed.
When asked if the government was doing enough now, Ratcliffe replied, "I think that was true in our case, that will be true in Joe's mum's case."
Official Government Response
In a statement, a Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are deeply concerned by reports that Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been charged with espionage in Iran. We continue to raise this case directly with the Iranian authorities. The FCDO are providing them with consular assistance and remain in close contact with their family members."
The case continues to highlight the severe challenges faced by Western nationals detained in Iran and the intense pressure on the UK government to secure their freedom through diplomatic channels.
