The family of a British couple detained in Iran urges the UK government to help secure their release, warn their health against deterioration and are being held in “horrific circumstances”.
Lindsay and Crigig Foreman, from East Sussex, were studying all over the world when the Iranian authorities arrested them in January and then directed them to spy – claiming the family to deny it.
Their son, Joe Bennett, said that he was told that the couple was held in narrow cells without ranks, suffering from non -treatment and malnutrition diseases.
The Foreign Ministry said it was “very concerned” and does not continue to file the issue with the Iranian authorities.
“Although they are mentally flexible, I think their physical health has already begun to suffer,” said Mr. Bennett, from Volkson, Kent, also told BBC Radio 4 today.
After the court appeared in Tehran on Saturday, their son said that the family “exhausted” and “terrified of what may come after that.”
He said that the ruling and the sentence in the case can be presented within days.
The family says it is increasingly concerned about the trial procedures in Iran after a recent hearing.
They claim that they asked the UK Foreign Ministry official to attend, but this request was rejected, and they said it was unclear whether the couple had been given any opportunity to provide a defense.
The family also says that the lawyer appointed by the court had to correct multiple transfers. They believe that the ruling and the sentence can be issued in seven to 10 days.
Mr. Bennett said: “I have nightmares that I think about how my mother and Keraj can deal with this injustice, listen to false accusations, and a feeling of helplessness to be able to defend themselves, knowing that their words have been translated.
“The case of the court may advance, but our parents are still trapped in horrific circumstances.”
“Begin to suffer”
He said he was the last time in contact with the spouses, via the embassy, about three weeks ago.
However, he said, nearly two months have passed since they had direct contact and “they have only one phone call.”
He said: “No direct information is transferred from them to us.”
He said he was increasingly worried about his physical health, adding that Mr. Foreman was dealing with dental abscess for several months.
“They went months without money,” he said. “When you hear things like your mother on drip, she sends you a bit crazy because you do not know the reason or if she is fine.”
A statement from family members again urged the UK government to intervene.
Foreign Minister Evit Cooper now agreed to interview the family later in October, after receiving a message signed of 35 deputies and individuals from the group of all parliamentary for arbitrary detention and hostage affairs.
The family says, despite the welcome, work is needed sooner.
“The UK government cannot continue to leave this only happens,” added Mr. Bennett.
A FCDO spokesman said: “We are very concerned about reports that Craig and Lindsay Foreman had been accused of spying in Iran. We continue to raise this issue directly with the Iranian authorities,” said a FCDO spokesman.
“FCDO provides them with consular assistance and remains in close contact with their family members.”
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