British couple in their 70s arrested by Taliban.
British Couple Arrested Afghan Taliban
British couple in their 70s arrested by Taliban.
A British elderly couple, Peter Reynolds (79) and his wife Barbie (75) who dedicated 18 years of their lives to social and educational services in Afghanistan have been detained by the Taliban. The couple was arrested on February 1 while returning to their home in Bamiyan. Since then their children and family have received no clear updates about their condition causing immense concern among their loved ones. Peter and Barbie had been running various educational projects in Afghanistan since 2009 including five schools in Kabul and a training program for mothers and children in Bamiyan. Even after the Taliban's return to power in 2021 when most foreigners and NGO employees left the country the couple chose to stay. Their reason was simple they could not abandon Afghanistan in its time of need.
After their arrest the couple managed to stay in touch with their daughter Sarah Entwistle and their other children through text messages for the first three days. They informed their family that they were being held by the Ministry of Interior and that they were safe. However after three days all communication stopped abruptly deepening their family’s fears. Sarah Entwistle who lives in Daventry Northamptonshire said
It has been over two weeks since we last heard from our parents. We urge the Taliban to release them so they can return home and continue their work. Peter and Barbie Reynolds first met at the University of Bath in the UK and later married in Kabul in 1970. They developed a deep connection with Afghanistan and remained committed to helping its people.
Although the Taliban imposed a ban on women working in 2022 and later extended restrictions to NGOs employing women in 2023 Peter and Barbie’s organization had official approval from local authorities. Their projects were focused on providing education and training to women and children who needed it most. However the exact reasons for their arrest remain unclear. Peter and Barbie’s four children have formally written a letter to the Taliban leadership pleading for their parents' immediate release. In the letter they stated. We do not understand the reasons behind their arrest. Our parents have always respected local laws and dedicated their lives to serving the Afghan people. We recognize that in the past exchanges between Western governments and the Taliban have taken place regarding detained individuals. However our parents have always made it clear that they do not wish to be part of any negotiations or prisoner exchanges. They consider Afghanistan their second home and want to continue their work.
Concerns over Peter Reynolds’ health are also rising. According to his family he suffered a minor stroke a few years ago and requires daily medication. Reports suggest that since his detention he has not been given access to his necessary medication which could put his health at serious risk. Additionally Peter and Barbie were arrested alongside an American citizen Faye Hall and a translator working for their organization. An employee who worked with them said. I have never met more honorable and respectable people in my life. Their only goal was to help the Afghan people. Keeping them in custody is a complete injustice.
UK Government’s Position and Taliban’s Justification
The UK’s Foreign Office has confirmed the detention of two British nationals in Afghanistan but has provided limited details on the situation. Since the UK does not recognize the Taliban government and has no embassy in Kabul its ability to assist in the matter is highly restricted. On the other hand a Taliban official told the BBC that the British nationals were arrested for working with an NGO in Bamiyan. The official claimed that they were detained nearly 20 days ago for allegedly using a plane without informing the Bamiyan police headquarters or border security forces. This arrest has sparked international concern. Human rights activists and several Western organizations are pressuring the Taliban to release the couple immediately. Peter and Barbie Reynolds represent thousands of foreign aid workers who continue to serve in Afghanistan despite its challenges. If they are not released it could set a dangerous precedent for other humanitarian workers and further hinder aid efforts in the country.
This couple has spent years in Afghanistan dedicating their lives to helping its people. The Taliban government now has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to justice and human rights by releasing them immediately. If they remain in detention it will further damage the Taliban’s international reputation and raise serious concerns about Afghanistan’s treatment of humanitarian workers. The world is now watching to see whether the Taliban will release Peter and Barbie Reynolds considering their age health and years of service or whether their detention will continue marking another troubling chapter in Afghanistan’s history.
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