Could British couple imprisoned in Iran be exchanged for UK's 'worst stalker'?

A British couple jailed for 10 years in Iran has issued a plea for the UK government to deport an Iranian stalker who has spent two decades in a maximum security jail, claiming he is their best hope of securing freedom. Craig and Lindsay Foreman have accused the government of failing to act on clear signals from Iranian officials that Richard Jan, who was once described as Britain’s worst stalker, is the key to their release. The couple were detained during a once-in-a-lifetime world motorbike tour 17 months ago and have been sentenced to 10 years on espionage charges – which they deny – and Foreign Office officials say it is “absolutely obvious” they are innocent tourists. A joint investigation by The Independent and Sky News has uncovered a 15-year campaign by high-ranking Iranian officials for Jan to receive urgent healthcare in prison and be returned to the country. Watch more on Independent TV: https://tinyurl.com/yc7ukx9n The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Subscribe: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Independent Find us on social: TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@independent Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/the.independent/ X (Twitter) / https://twitter.com/Independent Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/TheIndependentOnline Download the iOS & Android app: https://tinyurl.com/2s3ts5dh Sign up to our newsletters: https://tinyurl.com/2bmw565x Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust: https://www.independent.co.uk/donations