British couple in critical condition after escalating hunger strike in Iranian prison

British nationals Craig and Lindsay Forman are in critical condition after escalating their hunger strike inside Tehran’s Evin Prison, having refused food for more than ten weeks, according to the UK Times.

The newspaper reported that Lindsay has not eaten for 66 days, while Craig has refused food for 75 days. Both are now surviving only on water, after previously consuming honey and salts. The family said all phone contact with the couple was cut off two months ago, heightening concerns for their wellbeing.

The couple were arrested 18 months ago during a round-the-world motorcycle trip and sentenced to ten years in prison on espionage charges, which they deny. The family also said Craig recently received an additional two-year sentence for speaking to the media, following a hearing held without a lawyer or translator present.

The Forman family, quoted by the UK Times, warned that the couple’s health is rapidly deteriorating. Lindsay is reportedly suffering from severe dizziness, tremors, and extreme weakness after losing more than 14 kilograms, while Craig has lost around 16 kilograms, according to reports from inside the prison.

International calls and family efforts

UN human rights experts have called for the immediate release of the couple, stating their condition has reached a medical emergency and raising serious concerns about state hostage-taking.

The family is trying to send an urgent message urging the couple to end their hunger strike to save their lives, but it has not reached them due to prison restrictions. They have also appealed to the UK government for urgent intervention, requesting an emergency consular visit and access to medical care and nutritional supplements.

Prisoner swap prospects and UK government stance

The UK Times reported that Iran has recently requested the return of an Iranian national held in a British prison for 23 years. Craig Forman believes a prisoner exchange may be the only way to secure their release, but the UK government has denied any such arrangements.

The Forman family is scheduled to meet the UK’s new envoy for complex consular cases at the end of July. Around 90,000 people have signed a petition urging the UK government to intervene, and the family continues to raise funds to support their campaign.

Source: The UK Times.