Son raises issues for British mother and father detained in Iran amid lethal protests | EUROtoday

The son of a British couple detained in Iran has raised issues over their welfare following the closure of the British embassy in Tehran amid lethal protests.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman had been arrested by Iranian authorities final January and charged with spying whereas they had been travelling all over the world.

Their son, Joe Bennett, warned on Wednesday night that his mother and father face a “dangerous” scenario, with “overcrowding” within the jail as a result of regime’s brutal crackdown on anti-government protests within the nation.

The UK authorities introduced earlier on Wednesday that its embassy in Tehran has been briefly closed and can function remotely amid the demonstrations.

Thousands of protesters have reportedly been killed within the nation in current weeks, and Iranian officers have signalled that executions lie forward for detained suspects.

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Mr Bennett stated he had been advised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) that they’re nonetheless “assessing the situation” of his mother and father.

In a earlier assertion, a spokesman for the FCDO stated: “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 Independent has approached the FCDO for additional remark following the issues raised by their son.

Mr Bennett, who final spoke together with his mother and father on Wednesday, advised the BBC’s Newsnight programme: “The trouble is, their plan was to go to the embassy, was to try to get to the embassy because they feel that that’s safe ground and now… Where do they go? What do they do?”

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He stated his mother and father have described “unsafe” and “frightening” situations within the jail, with “vermin in the kitchen and in beds” and “fights that break out pretty much daily”. He added: “It is overcrowded, it’s even more overcrowding now that these protests have gone on in Tehran.”

The household have accused the federal government of a scarcity of assist in securing the couple’s launch.

Describing their “frustration”, Mr Bennett stated: “I look at other nations – France, for example, US, Italy – when their citizens are put in a similar situation, there’s an advocacy from them at the highest level of government… and the UK haven’t done that.”

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An utility for bail has reportedly been formally submitted by the Foremans’ authorized representatives in Iran this week.

In letters written to the court docket, the pair’s Iranian defence attorneys have additionally acknowledged the couple are harmless and that their continued detention is illegal, in line with the household.

Mr Bennett stated all he desires is to make sure his mother and father’ protected return. “My mum and Craig are two innocent UK citizens that are caught up in the middle of all of this. So for us, it’s about their safety and prompt return home, however that comes.”