When Craig and Lindsay Foreman set off from London in late 2024, their plan was simple in spirit but ambitious in scope: ride around the world, meet people from every walk of life, and document what “living a good life” means across cultures. Their project, #PPK2K, had already carried them through 13 countries and more than 12,000 miles when they crossed into Iran on December 30, 2024 — a five‑day transit on their way toward Pakistan and, ultimately, Australia. But just days later, the couple vanished from the road, sparking a year‑long ordeal that has now reached a bleak milestone.

The Foremans were arrested on January 3, 2025, in Kerman province, a fact later confirmed by Iranian state media. Their phones went silent, they never reached their hotel, and their family had no idea where they were. On February 18, Iranian officials accused the pair of entering the country “under the guise of tourists” and gathering information across multiple provinces — allegations their family called baseless at the time. No evidence was presented then by the Iranian government, and none has surfaced since.

After more than 13 months in detention, the couple has now been sentenced to 10 years in prison on espionage charges. According to the Telegraph, the ruling followed a three‑hour hearing before Judge Abolghasem Salavati, a figure sanctioned by the UK, US, and EU for presiding over politically motivated “show trials.” The Foremans were not allowed to present a defense, and no evidence was disclosed in court. Their son, Joe Bennett, described the verdict as “gut‑wrenching,” emphasizing that the couple has consistently denied the allegations.

The conditions of their detention paint an even darker picture. Lindsay is being held in the women’s section of Tehran’s Evin Prison, while Craig is confined in the political wing. Their family reports long periods of solitary confinement, blindfolding and binding during transfers, limited access to legal representation, and only a handful of phone calls home. Craig described spending 57 days in solitary in an eight‑foot cell with a hole in the floor and a sink, saying the experience “broke me to pieces.”

Despite the circumstances, Lindsay has continued to speak about the ideals that motivated their journey. In a message shared prior to sentencing, she said she entered Iran as part of a global initiative to “find unity in humanity,” adding that she and Craig were prepared to “suffer ourselves” in an effort to highlight injustice. Her words echo the optimism she expressed throughout their travels — a belief that most people, regardless of borders, share a desire for connection and meaning.

The UK government has condemned the sentence in strong terms. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called it “completely appalling and totally unjustifiable,” pledging to pursue the case “relentlessly” until the couple is safely returned home. A cross‑party group of MPs and Lords has also urged more decisive action, and a petition calling for their release has surpassed 70,000 signatures.

For now, the Foremans remain separated by just 70 meters inside Evin Prison, seeing each other only once a month. Their family continues to push for diplomatic intervention, hoping the international pressure will be enough to bring them home. What began as a journey to illuminate the shared humanity of strangers has instead become a stark reminder of the risks travelers face in regions where political tensions can eclipse even the most earnest intentions.