Urgent Plea for Release of British Couple Detained by Taliban

Human rights activists have raised alarm over the deteriorating health conditions of an elderly British couple, Barbie and Peter Reynolds, who have been detained in Afghanistan since February. The couple, aged 75 and 80, were captured by the Taliban without any formal charges and have remained in custody under what experts describe as life-threatening conditions.

According to a statement from United Nations experts, there is “no reason why this older couple should be detained at all.” They are calling for an urgent review of the couple’s detention conditions, stressing that keeping them in such degrading circumstances is inhumane. UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, emphasized the need for their immediate transfer to a civilian hospital for medical treatment.

The Reynolds were initially held in a maximum-security prison in underground cells, lacking sunlight, until their recent transfer to an above-ground block. The UN experts noted that until just eight weeks ago, they were detained separately. They reported that the couple’s physical and mental health is “deteriorating rapidly,” warning of potential irreparable harm or even death without adequate medical care.

Peter has faced several health challenges during his detention. He recently collapsed and has suffered from two eye infections, along with tremors in his head and left arm. He requires heart medication after experiencing a transient ischemic attack in March 2023, a condition that mimics stroke symptoms. His family has expressed particular concern, as he is also prone to skin cancer, which necessitates immediate medical attention.

Barbie has her own health issues, suffering from anemia, which can lead to fatigue and lightheadedness. Reports from The Guardian indicate that due to a poor diet in detention, her condition has worsened, resulting in weakness and numbness in her feet. The UN group has condemned the couple’s lack of legal counsel and limited family contact, highlighting the psychological toll of their uncertain situation.

The Reynolds, who have been married for 55 years, have four children living in the U.K. and the U.S. Their children issued a heartfelt plea to the Taliban for their parents’ release, stating, “This is another urgent plea to the Taliban to release our parents before it is too late and they die in their custody.” They highlighted that their parents have dedicated the last 18 years to serving the people of Afghanistan through their organization, Rebuild Consultants, which focuses on training and education for various sectors.

The couple was taken from their home in the Nayak area of central Bamiyan province on February 1, 2023, alongside another foreign national and an Afghan. Their children have been actively campaigning for their release, and the U.K. Foreign Office reportedly visited the couple just over a week ago to check on their welfare. The children expressed distress over not having communicated with their parents for five weeks.

As international calls for action grow, the fate of Barbie and Peter Reynolds remains uncertain, underscoring the broader humanitarian concerns in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.