As the plight of Peter and Barbie Reynolds continues, their son, Jonathan, shares harrowing details about their health conditions amidst deteriorating circumstances in Afghan detention.
British Couple's Health Deteriorates in Taliban Custody, Son Voices Fears
British Couple's Health Deteriorates in Taliban Custody, Son Voices Fears
The son of detained British nationals expresses grave concerns over their health while in Taliban custody, urging for immediate action from authorities.
In a heartbreaking revelation, Jonathan Reynolds, son of the British couple detained by the Taliban for five months, warned that his parents, Peter (80) and Barbie (76), may face death in prison if their medical needs are not addressed promptly. The couple was arrested in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, while attempting to return home on February 1. Their detention motives remain unclear, however, their son has reported alarming health concerns which have rapidly deteriorated in the absence of proper medical care.
Jonathan expressed fears about the state of his father's health, noting that Peter experiences severe convulsions, while Barbie is suffering from severe anaemia and malnutrition. Recently, a Taliban official claimed that both are receiving medical care and that efforts are being made to secure their release, but this was met with skepticism by the UN, which condemned their 'inhumane' treatment and highlighted their urgent need for medical attention.
For the family, who had lived in Afghanistan for nearly two decades and had been actively involved in educational projects, this ordeal has turned into a “harrowing and surreal” experience. Despite having been deemed innocent by a judge, the couple has been imprisoned under harsh conditions, including time in maximum-security facilities. Jonathan revealed that they were confined in a basement for weeks without access to daylight.
Communication has been limited. The last contact with his parents showed just how dire their conditions had become. Peter, facing the added strain of supposed early-stage Parkinson’s disease, has reportedly endured episodes of convulsions while his wife is visibly suffering from the effects of malnutrition. Jonathan recalls that the couple recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in captivity, a stark reminder of their longing for freedom.
The UK’s Foreign Office has indicated its ongoing commitment to support the family despite logistical challenges and the closure of Britain's diplomatic mission in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control. Jonathan remains hopeful that UK officials will continue to apply pressure for their release, though he admits it’s frustrating to receive promises with no tangible results. Amidst growing calls from the UN for a reassessment of their detention, one thing remains clear: the couple’s well-being is in jeopardy, and their family is desperate for swift intervention.
Jonathan expressed fears about the state of his father's health, noting that Peter experiences severe convulsions, while Barbie is suffering from severe anaemia and malnutrition. Recently, a Taliban official claimed that both are receiving medical care and that efforts are being made to secure their release, but this was met with skepticism by the UN, which condemned their 'inhumane' treatment and highlighted their urgent need for medical attention.
For the family, who had lived in Afghanistan for nearly two decades and had been actively involved in educational projects, this ordeal has turned into a “harrowing and surreal” experience. Despite having been deemed innocent by a judge, the couple has been imprisoned under harsh conditions, including time in maximum-security facilities. Jonathan revealed that they were confined in a basement for weeks without access to daylight.
Communication has been limited. The last contact with his parents showed just how dire their conditions had become. Peter, facing the added strain of supposed early-stage Parkinson’s disease, has reportedly endured episodes of convulsions while his wife is visibly suffering from the effects of malnutrition. Jonathan recalls that the couple recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in captivity, a stark reminder of their longing for freedom.
The UK’s Foreign Office has indicated its ongoing commitment to support the family despite logistical challenges and the closure of Britain's diplomatic mission in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control. Jonathan remains hopeful that UK officials will continue to apply pressure for their release, though he admits it’s frustrating to receive promises with no tangible results. Amidst growing calls from the UN for a reassessment of their detention, one thing remains clear: the couple’s well-being is in jeopardy, and their family is desperate for swift intervention.
