Joe Bennett, son of British couple Lindsay and Craig Foreman, has appealed to former President Donald Trump for assistance amid his parents’ ongoing imprisonment in Iran. The couple has been held in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison since January 2025, following a trial that Bennett describes as a “sham.” Both were sentenced to 10 years on espionage charges.
Conditions Worsen in Evin Prison Amid Iran Conflict
Bennett told Fox News that conditions in Evin Prison have deteriorated due to overcrowding from a recent surge of protesters and the complexities of the ongoing war in Iran. He described food shortages and unsanitary conditions, quoting his parents’ accounts of the prison as “hell on Earth.” Bennett also expressed concern about heightened anxiety caused by recent bombings and military activity near Tehran.
Criticism of UK Government and Call for Leadership
Speaking at the McCain Institute’s US-UK Transatlantic Conference on Hostage-Taking and Arbitrary Detention, Bennett criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for insufficient advocacy on behalf of his parents. He urged the UK government to move beyond treating the case as a consular matter, highlighting that the espionage sentence demands stronger political intervention. Bennett claimed Starmer’s lack of action has left the family feeling “let down.”
Appeal for Humane Treatment and Targeting Precision
Bennett urged Trump to ensure that any Iranian strikes avoid endangering Evin Prison, where other British and American nationals are also held. He emphasized the importance of safety and called for humanitarian considerations, specifically requesting his mother’s release. Bennett framed the couple’s detention as hostage-taking, involving innocent civilians used as political leverage.
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