Britons Detained in Iran Charged With Espionage
The British couple who were riding through Iran while on a RTW motorcycle adventure are being held on charges of espionage
The detained couple being held in Iran have been charged with espionage, according to the country's judiciary news agency.
Craig and Lyndsay Foreman were arrested in Kerman in January, although news of their detainment only surfaced in the past week. The pair had originally planned to use Iran as a route to their next destination Pakistan.
According to the BBC, the charges were announced by a Mr Jahangir, who stated the pair had been under surveillance for some time, and that their arrest was part of a “coordinated intelligence operation”.
He went on to say. “These individuals were co-operating with front organisations linked to the intelligence services of hostile and Western countries under the pretence of research and investigative activities.”
The Beeb also reports that the chief justice of Kerman province, Hojatoleslam wal-Muslimeen Hamidi, said: “According to intelligence and security agency monitoring, the connection of these individuals with several institutions affiliated with intelligence services has been confirmed, and further investigations are ongoing.”
They had originally planned to be in Iran for only five days, using the West Asian country as a stepping to the equally risky nation of Pakistan. The risks of entering Iran weren’t unknown to the couple, with Lindsay even confirming as much via her Facebook page, which states:
“Despite the advice of friends, family, and the FCDO (which strongly advises against travel to Iran for British nationals), we’ve chosen to keep moving forward.”
“Why? Because we believe that, no matter where you are in the world, most people are good, kind humans striving for a meaningful life.
“Yes, we’re aware of the risks. But we also know the rewards of meeting incredible people, hearing their stories, and seeing the breathtaking landscapes of these regions could far outweigh the fear.
“From the vast deserts of Iran to the towering peaks of Pakistan, we hope to share the beauty, hospitality, and humanity that often go unnoticed.”
Lindsay is a psychologist and life coach, while Craig is a carpenter by trade. The journey was supposed to end in Brisbane, Australia, where Lindsey was to present the findings of her trip at a positive psychology conference in July.
The Iranian government have not yet divulged what specific charges have led to the couple’s detainment, and the family and Foreign Office are pushing for answers. A statement issued by the Foreign Office on their family's behalf said:
“This unexpected turn of events has caused significant concern for our entire family, and we are deeply focused on ensuring their safety and wellbeing during this trying time.”
The BBC reports that the Foreign Office is in contact with the authorities in Iran and is providing assistance to the couple.
Images from Lyndsay Foreman / Facebook
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
