British Couple Arrested by Taliban in Afghanistan Over Educational Programs
Peter and Barbie Reynolds face detention as their educational initiatives for women come under scrutiny in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.
Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, have been arrested by Taliban authorities in Afghanistan, where they have lived and operated educational programs for nearly two decades.
The couple was apprehended on February 1, 2025, at their home in Nayak, Bamiyan province, following a police raid that involved questioning employees of their organization, Rebuild.
Rebuild has aimed to enhance educational access for both men and women, including programs specifically designed for mothers, such as parenting skills courses.
The Taliban's government, which regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, has largely restricted women's access to education, affecting over 1.4 million teenage girls who are banned from attending school.
Despite the restrictive environment, the Reynolds had continued their work, reportedly overseeing programs that aligned with some of the Taliban's announced educational policies.
According to the couple’s four adult children, Peter and Barbie were married in Kabul in 1970 and chose to remain in Afghanistan even amidst the turmoil following the Taliban's return to power.
After their arrest, communications from the Reynolds to their children ceased after three days, raising concerns for their well-being.
Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, expressed alarm over their detention, emphasizing her father's health needs, particularly after a previous mini-stroke, and describing the situation as 'outrageous' given their commitment to supporting the Afghan people.
The couple's children issued an open letter to Taliban officials calling for their parents' release, expressing confusion over the reasons for their detention while affirming the positive intentions behind their educational programs.
They highlighted that their parents were trying to prepare young people for future opportunities in Afghanistan and had previously received commendations from Taliban leaders, including an honor bestowed upon Barbie, acknowledging their contributions.
The family has reached out to the UK Foreign Office; however, they face challenges due to the UK’s non-recognition of the Taliban government and the absence of a British embassy in Kabul, hindering diplomatic efforts for assistance.
The case of the Reynolds underscores the complex and often perilous situation facing foreign nationals involved in humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan under the current regime.
The couple was apprehended on February 1, 2025, at their home in Nayak, Bamiyan province, following a police raid that involved questioning employees of their organization, Rebuild.
Rebuild has aimed to enhance educational access for both men and women, including programs specifically designed for mothers, such as parenting skills courses.
The Taliban's government, which regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, has largely restricted women's access to education, affecting over 1.4 million teenage girls who are banned from attending school.
Despite the restrictive environment, the Reynolds had continued their work, reportedly overseeing programs that aligned with some of the Taliban's announced educational policies.
According to the couple’s four adult children, Peter and Barbie were married in Kabul in 1970 and chose to remain in Afghanistan even amidst the turmoil following the Taliban's return to power.
After their arrest, communications from the Reynolds to their children ceased after three days, raising concerns for their well-being.
Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, expressed alarm over their detention, emphasizing her father's health needs, particularly after a previous mini-stroke, and describing the situation as 'outrageous' given their commitment to supporting the Afghan people.
The couple's children issued an open letter to Taliban officials calling for their parents' release, expressing confusion over the reasons for their detention while affirming the positive intentions behind their educational programs.
They highlighted that their parents were trying to prepare young people for future opportunities in Afghanistan and had previously received commendations from Taliban leaders, including an honor bestowed upon Barbie, acknowledging their contributions.
The family has reached out to the UK Foreign Office; however, they face challenges due to the UK’s non-recognition of the Taliban government and the absence of a British embassy in Kabul, hindering diplomatic efforts for assistance.
The case of the Reynolds underscores the complex and often perilous situation facing foreign nationals involved in humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan under the current regime.
