The dream trip of Craig and Lindsay Foreman, a British couple with a passion for motorcycles, turned into a nightmare in Iran. The story, widely reported in the media, is not without precedent in the region. It is a reminder that no one is immune, especially in countries where human rights are under threat.
A round-the-world motorcycle trip suspended indefinitely
After arriving from Armenia on December 30, 2024, they set off across the country on motorcycles, planning to reach Pakistan a few days later. But on January 4, 2025, as they crossed the southeastern province of Kerman, they were arrested by the Revolutionary Guards, the regime's ideological army. Since then, they have been charged with espionage by the Iranian judiciary. According to the Iranian capital, Teheran, their link with foreign intelligence services "has been confirmed", although investigations are still underway.
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"Espionage", "breach of security"... the usual twist
This accusation, refuted by their relatives, is part of a wider context in which several Westerners have been arrested in similar circumstances. Among them are French couple Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, detained since May 2022, and Frenchman Olivier Grondeau, incarcerated since the same year. Paris describes these detainees as "state hostages", pointing out that Iran uses them as diplomatic leverage to negotiate prisoner exchanges.
Also, four days after the release of Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist, Teheran announced the repatriation of an Iranian arrested in Italy at the request of the United States. Officially, no link has been made between the two cases.
The fate of Craig and Lindsay Foreman, two enthusiasts of motorcycle travel, is of particular concern, including to the community of two-wheeled adventurers. While long road-trips around the world are the stuff of dreams, they also entail risks, particularly in certain regions where political tensions are high. The case of the British couple is a tragic reminder that certain borders can close brutally on those who venture there, transforming an exhilarating expedition into a diplomatic trap with serious consequences. We hope for happy news soon.
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