Concerns about Lindsay and Craig’s situation is growing in Westminster. Thank you to those of you who have written to your MPs. A cross party letter was recently sent to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, by Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP and Tony Vaughan MP, signed by 93 Members of Parliament and Peers, urging the Government to act with urgency.
Raising the case in Parliament earlier this week, Sir Iain Duncan Smith spoke about the brutal circumstances in which Linday and Craig were incarcerated, explaining that they were being tortured in many ways. He asked the Government to state publicly that they are innocent tourists, to formally declare their detention arbitrary, and explain what else they could do for these innocent tourists”.
Responding for the Government, Minister Hamish Falconer said:
“This is a terrible case. It is absolutely obvious that they were innocent tourists. That is clear to all concerned. We have made that point repeatedly to the Iranian regime. We will continue to pursue this case. It is an injustice.”
This was the first time that Government has recognised publicly that Lindsay and Craig are innocent. While this acknowledgement is important, it must now be matched with clear action including formally classifying their case as arbitrary detention and clarifying the steps that will now be taken to bring them both home.
As talks continue, there is a simple but urgent message from their family and friends.
“Do not forget them.”
We call on all those involved in current and future negotiations to:
* Push for the immediate release of Lindsay and Craig Foreman
* Ensure Craig receives the medical treatment he urgently needs
* Keep the protection of human lives at the centre of any agreement
Lindsay and Craig are not bargaining chips. They are a couple separated from their family, facing each day in difficult and uncertain conditions.
Any step toward peace should also be a step toward bringing them home.
Thank you to everyone who has been supporting us by writing to mps, asking others to sign the petition and donating to go fund me. This is starting to have an impact so please do continue and please do ask others to join in with their support.
With all our thanks from the family and friends of Lindsay and Craig