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 comments came as he delivered a petition with 70,000 signatures to Downing Street, demanding more decisive action.
A year of 'traumatic' detention
Lindsay Foreman and her husband 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. They face accusations of espionage, which they and the UK government vehemently deny.
Speaking at a rally in London to mark the grim anniversary, Joe Bennett told Sky News the last twelve months have been "crazy" and "the most traumatic long time of our lives". He described the government's overall approach as disappointingly "passive", despite acknowledging that the Foreign Office has maintained communication with the family.
'Horrible conditions' and a 'complete circus'
Bennett provided harrowing details of his mother's plight, stating she is now "malnourished" and sleeping on a metal frame in a cell infested with vermin. "She's woken up with rats in her bed," he revealed, adding that the physical toll is severe as "their body is deteriorating".
He condemned the apparent UK strategy of allowing Iran's judicial process to continue. "There's almost this philosophy to let this judicial system play out, which is of course a complete circus," Bennett said. "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."
Echoes of the past and calls for action
The London rally was also attended by Richard Ratcliffe, whose wife, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, was detained in Iran for over five years before her release in 2022. Ratcliffe said the situation brought back "tough memories" and expressed scepticism about government efforts behind closed doors.
"I think that was true in our case, that will be true in Joe's mum's case... as years went on I got very sceptical," he stated, urging the family to "keep going".
In response, a Foreign Office spokesperson reiterated its concern, saying: "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 statement confirmed the FCDO is providing consular assistance and remains in close contact with the family.
