The stalker who could be key to release of British couple imprisoned in Iran

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestylePrisoner Richard Jan, 59, pictured with his mother Peggy in 2020 (Darius Bazargan)Britain has spent nearly £1 million of taxpayers' money holding Iranian stalker Richard Jan for 16 years beyond his minimum prison term, despite his eligibility for deportation and deteriorating health. Lindsay and Craig Foreman, a British couple detained in Iran for 17 months on spying charges they deny, believe Jan's deportation is crucial for their release, citing signals from Iranian officials. Jan, jailed in 2004 and a former dual national who renounced his British passport, had a deportation order issued in 2013, but his removal was blocked by the Ministry of Justice over concerns about public confidence in the justice system. His case was reportedly raised by an Iranian official holding the Foremans and also during negotiations for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release, prompting calls from the Foremans and their son for the UK government to explore a potential exchange. While a UK government spokesperson warned against claims of an exchange, Justice Secretary David Lammy indicated the government's mind is not 'closed' to such arrangements, despite a general policy against prisoner swaps. In fullBritain has spent almost £1m of taxpayers’ cash holding stalker at centre of Iran prisoner swap pleaThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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