Adventure Magazine – British woman says “I will continue until I die” as hunger strike in Iran prison reaches critical point
British nationals Lindsay and Craig Foreman are now reported to be surviving on water alone after more than two months on hunger strike inside Tehran’s Evin Prison. Their family is calling on the new UK Government to secure urgent consular access and immediate medical care, warning that without swift intervention they may be approaching irreversible medical harm.
British national Lindsay Foreman is reported to be in a serious and rapidly deteriorating condition after 66 days on hunger strike. Her husband, Craig Foreman, is reported to be in an equally grave condition after 75 days.
According to reports received from inside Evin Prison, both are now surviving only on water, having given up the sugar and salt that had previously helped sustain them.
Sources inside the prison say Lindsay has made clear she will not end her protest.
“I will continue until I die to make sure everyone sees what is happening here.”
The couple have received no intravenous treatment, no meaningful medical care and remain banned from speaking to their children.
Earlier this month, Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that Lindsay had gone more than ten days without a medical examination and was suffering from dizziness, body tremors and severe weakness after reportedly losing more than 14 kilograms. Craig had reportedly lost around 16 kilograms. Since then, the family has received no indication that either has received appropriate medical treatment.
Recent reports from inside Evin Prison indicate that both remain extremely weak and continue to suffer dizziness while their condition continues to deteriorate.
Despite confirmation that prison authorities accepted supplies from the British Embassy, including vitamins, prescription glasses, books and hygiene items, none have been passed to Lindsay or Craig.
Sources inside the prison say Lindsay has repeatedly asked only for vitamins and the opportunity to speak to her family. She has also described widespread human rights abuses, violence and the treatment of women inside the prison.
On 3 July, Lindsay’s children joined more than 100 family members and close friends in signing a letter pleading with Lindsay and Craig to end their hunger strike. It read:
“We are frightened for you. Every day that passes, we worry more about your health, your strength and the damage this is causing. We need you well. We need you alive. We are asking you, from the deepest part of our hearts, to stop the hunger strike and come back to us.”
More than two weeks later, the family has been told the letter has still not been delivered.
Joe Bennett, Lindsay’s son, said:
“The reports reaching us say my mum is telling people not to worry about her. But how can we not? She and Craig have been denied basic human rights, and they now believe this is the only way left to make the world listen.”
“My mum is not asking for the impossible. She is asking for vitamins. She is asking to speak to her children. Those are basic acts of humanity.”
“More than a hundred of us signed a letter begging Mum and Craig to stop their hunger strike. More than two weeks later, we have been told they still haven’t received it. We don’t even know whether they know how desperately we want them to come home.”
“There is a new Government now responsible for this case. We are asking them to recognise the urgency of the situation and act accordingly. Being decisive means acting now, while there is still time to make a difference.”
“Lindsay and Craig have been visited by the British Ambassador only once this year. They need to be seen urgently by the consular team and by an independent doctor. They need access to the supplies already provided by the British Embassy, and they need to be able to speak to their family. These are basic humanitarian requests.”
The family’s appeal comes as responsibility for the case passes to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and the UK’s first Envoy for Complex Consular Cases, Alistair Burt.
Joe Bennett has written to the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary, the new Envoy and the British Ambassador in Tehran, Hugo Shorter, urging immediate action.
The letters call for a strategic diplomatic solution, an urgent consular visit, immediate medical assessment and treatment, the release of the vitamins and other essential supplies already accepted by prison authorities, the delivery of the letter and the restoration of telephone contact between Lindsay, Craig and their families.
With Lindsay and Craig now reported to be surviving on water alone, their family says every day without meaningful intervention further jeopardises their health and is urging the UK Government to act with the urgency the situation now demands