Family Raises Alarm Over Detention of British Couple in Afghanistan

The son of Peter and Barbie Reynolds, a British couple detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan since 1 February, has spoken out in a desperate plea for their release, warning that his parents may die in prison due to rapidly deteriorating health conditions.

The couple, aged 80 and 76, were arrested while returning to their home in Bamiyan province, where they had lived for 18 years, running education projects, including initiatives for women and children. The reasons for their arrest remain unclear, and no formal charges have been brought against them.

Grave Health Concerns in Custody

Their son, Jonathan Reynolds, told the BBC that his parents’ health had seriously declined, describing harrowing details of their imprisonment:

• Peter Reynolds, who has a history of heart attacks, has suffered severe tremors and possible early Parkinson’s symptoms. He recently experienced convulsions for over half an hour on a prison floor.

• Barbie Reynolds suffers from anaemia and malnutrition, leaving her numb and with blue hands and feet.

Both are believed to have been held in a maximum-security prison, sometimes in basement cells without sunlight for six weeks, despite a judge deeming them innocent.

Taliban and UN Responses

Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi stated that the couple was receiving medical care and had occasional family contact. He said efforts were under way to secure their release but admitted the process was incomplete.

However, the United Nations issued a grave warning, calling the couple’s detention “inhumane” and urging their immediate transfer to a civilian hospital. In a strong statement, the UN said:

“Without access to adequate medical care, they are at risk of irreparable harm or even death.”

55 Years Married — and Still in Prison

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, who were married in Kabul in 1970, have now spent birthdays and their 55th wedding anniversary in prison. Their son expressed mixed emotions:

“I’m thankful they were together, but they’re certainly not free.”

He also criticized the slow progress toward securing their release, saying the family had repeatedly been told that action would come in “two or three more days”, yet “they’re still in prison.”

UK Foreign Office Response

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it was supporting the family, stating:

“We are supporting the family of two British nationals who are detained in Afghanistan.”

Due to the closure of the British embassy in Kabul following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, consular support in Afghanistan is “severely limited.” The UK government continues to advise against all travel to the country.

Despite the challenges, the family expressed appreciation for the communication from UK officials and a recent “proof of life” visit by diplomats.

A Humanitarian Appeal

The Reynolds family, the UN, and rights organizations are calling for the immediate release and medical evacuation of Peter and Barbie Reynolds, emphasizing that detaining an elderly, ailing couple without charges is unjust and dangerous.

As the clock ticks and their health declines, the international community watches closely, hoping Afghanistan’s rulers will act before it’s too late.

Topics:

British couple detained Taliban, Peter Barbie Reynolds Afghanistan, UK nationals jailed in Afghanistan, Taliban detention 2025, elderly prisoners Taliban health, UN condemns Taliban detention, Afghan prison UK citizens, FCDO detained Britons support, Taliban medical neglect prisoners.