The family of a British couple imprisoned in Iran have spoken of their shock after the regime increased their prison sentences as punishment for their relatives speaking to the press.
Craig Foreman and his wife Lindsay, who are originally from East Sussex, are currently being held in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison. The couple were previously handed a ten-year sentence following convictions for espionage, charges that their supporters have strenuously denied.
Their relatives have described themselves as flabbergasted by the sudden extension to the couple’s prison terms. It is understood the Iranian authorities took retaliatory action directly in response to the family’s decision to publicise the couple’s plight in the media.
Evin prison is renowned for housing political prisoners and dual nationals, with human rights organisations frequently raising concerns over the conditions and judicial processes within the facility.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has been contacted for comment regarding the development, which marks a significant escalation in the couple’s case.