"The family of a British couple detained in Iran on espionage charges have said they will keep pushing for their release for years if needed, as they express alarm over ongoing trial proceedings and the pair's welfare. Lindsay and Craig Foreman, both 52 and who previously split their time between Spain and England, were seized in January in Kerman, southern Iran, while travelling on a round-the-world motorbike trip."
"The family have maintained their innocence and say they will leave no stone unturned as the government faces pressure from members of parliament to secure their release. On Saturday the couple are understood to have had a court hearing in Tehran, with a verdict and sentence expected within 10 days. The family had also requested for a UK Foreign Office official to attend the trial proceedings, which was not allowed."
"The reason that we want to put the pressure on is not to be annoying but is to get our parents home, said Lindsay's son, Joe Bennett, who is urging the UK government for consular officials to attend court hearings, regular phone calls and welfare visits. It's been nine months. Everything to us is going to feel slow, because it's nine months too long. They shouldn't be out there for that long."
Lindsay and Craig Foreman, both 52, were seized in January in Kerman, southern Iran while travelling on a round-the-world motorbike trip. The couple face espionage charges and a court hearing in Tehran reportedly took place, with a verdict and sentence expected within 10 days. The family maintain the Foremans' innocence and have urged the UK government for consular officials to attend hearings, provide regular phone calls and carry out welfare visits. The Foreign Office has provided limited contact, a single phone call in August, and the case has been raised in parliament. The family say they will continue campaigning for their release for as long as necessary.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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