A British couple sentenced to 10 years in prison on espionage charges in Iran have lost an appeal against their convictions, their family confirmed on Tuesday. Craig and Lindsay Foreman, both 53 and from East Sussex, were arrested in January last year while undertaking an around-the-world motorcycle trip.

The Foremans deny the charges against them and their family has raised concerns about the fairness of their legal proceedings. According to Lindsay Foreman’s son, Joe Bennett, the couple were reportedly not allowed to attend their own appeal hearing. He also claimed they were pressured to sign documents they could not read and refused to do so, but the family remains uncertain about the full details of these actions or the content of legal submissions made on their behalf.

The couple is currently held at Tehran’s Evin prison, where Craig Foreman has been on a hunger strike for 25 days, with his wife on her 16th day of refusing food. The family says that Iranian authorities have cut off all communication between them.

Bennett also described a recent meeting with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) officials, adding that he left without clear information on the diplomatic efforts underway to secure the couple’s release. The case has now been referred to Iran’s Supreme Court, but the family remains in the dark regarding the timeline or potential future steps in the appeals process.

The FCDO issued a statement expressing disappointment at the appeal outcome and affirmed its ongoing commitment to work towards the safe return of Craig and Lindsay Foreman. Iranian officials have not publicly commented on the case following the appeal decision.