British Couple Detained by Taliban Suffer Health Decline in Separation
Peter and Barbie Reynolds, arrested in Afghanistan, face deteriorating health conditions while their family calls for their release.
Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, British citizens detained by the Taliban, have been separated and transferred to a high-security prison, according to their daughter Sarah Entwistle.
The couple was arrested on February 1 while traveling to their home in Bamyan province, Afghanistan.
They were taken into custody alongside their American friend Faye Hall, who had chartered a plane for the journey, and their translator connected to their Rebuild training organization.
Entwistle characterized this development as a "shocking escalation," noting that her father has been moved to an undisclosed location where his health has significantly deteriorated.
She reported that Mr. Reynolds has developed a chest infection, a double eye infection, and serious digestive issues attributed to poor nutrition.
As his health crisis escalates, the family has urgently appealed to the Taliban for their release, emphasizing that it would give Mr. Reynolds access to necessary medication.
They framed this request not only as a plea for mercy but as an opportunity for the Taliban to demonstrate compassion on a global scale.
A Rebuild employee previously relayed that the detained group had been informed their flight lacked coordination with local authorities, resulting in their imprisonment in Kabul.
Taliban official Abdul Mateen Qani stated earlier that various considerations were being taken into account regarding the detainees, who reportedly possess Afghan passports and national ID cards.
The Reynolds have been engaged in educational programs in Afghanistan for 18 years, remaining active in the country following the Taliban's resurgence in 2021. The couple, who met at the University of Bath, were married in Kabul in 1970. While there is a clear concern regarding the health and safety of the Reynolds, their family has reportedly preferred not to involve the UK Government in the matter.
The couple was arrested on February 1 while traveling to their home in Bamyan province, Afghanistan.
They were taken into custody alongside their American friend Faye Hall, who had chartered a plane for the journey, and their translator connected to their Rebuild training organization.
Entwistle characterized this development as a "shocking escalation," noting that her father has been moved to an undisclosed location where his health has significantly deteriorated.
She reported that Mr. Reynolds has developed a chest infection, a double eye infection, and serious digestive issues attributed to poor nutrition.
As his health crisis escalates, the family has urgently appealed to the Taliban for their release, emphasizing that it would give Mr. Reynolds access to necessary medication.
They framed this request not only as a plea for mercy but as an opportunity for the Taliban to demonstrate compassion on a global scale.
A Rebuild employee previously relayed that the detained group had been informed their flight lacked coordination with local authorities, resulting in their imprisonment in Kabul.
Taliban official Abdul Mateen Qani stated earlier that various considerations were being taken into account regarding the detainees, who reportedly possess Afghan passports and national ID cards.
The Reynolds have been engaged in educational programs in Afghanistan for 18 years, remaining active in the country following the Taliban's resurgence in 2021. The couple, who met at the University of Bath, were married in Kabul in 1970. While there is a clear concern regarding the health and safety of the Reynolds, their family has reportedly preferred not to involve the UK Government in the matter.
