A British couple imprisoned in Iran have lost their appeal against a lengthy jail sentence, prompting an emotional plea from their family for the UK Government to intervene. The pair, identified as 45-year-old technology consultant Robert White and 42-year-old charity worker Sarah White, were arrested in Tehran last October on charges of espionage, a claim they and their supporters vehemently deny.
The appeal rejection, announced by Iran’s judiciary on Wednesday, upholds the original 10-year sentence handed down in December. The couple’s family released a statement expressing devastation at the news, urging the Foreign Office to escalate diplomatic efforts. “Robert and Sarah are innocent. They were in Iran for a humanitarian project, not as spies. We beg the Government to do everything in its power to bring them home,” the statement read.
The case has raised serious questions about the safety of British nationals in Iran, especially those involved in tech and charity sectors. The Whites were reportedly working on a digital literacy programme for rural communities, a project backed by a London-based NGO. Experts suggest the charges may be politically motivated, linked to ongoing tensions over the nuclear deal and sanctions.
Foreign Office officials have confirmed they are providing consular support but declined to comment on ongoing negotiations. Meanwhile, human rights groups have condemned the sentence, calling for an urgent review of the UK’s engagement with Iran. As the White family awaits further news, the clock is ticking on a case that highlights the treacherous intersection of technology, diplomacy, and personal liberty in an increasingly digital world.
