The Reynolds family raises alarms over Peter and Barbie’s deteriorating health as international bodies seek their urgent release from Taliban custody.
British Couple Held by Taliban Faces Dire Health Crisis, Family Warns
British Couple Held by Taliban Faces Dire Health Crisis, Family Warns
Concerns Grow for Detained Pair's Well-Being Amid Call for Immediate Medical Care
The fate of Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, remains precarious as they languish in Taliban detention after being arrested on February 1 while returning to their home in Bamiyan, Afghanistan. Their son, Jonathan Reynolds, expressed profound concern during a recent BBC interview, stating his fears that the couple may not survive their imprisonment due to severe health issues exacerbated by inhumane conditions.
Health reports indicate that Peter is suffering from serious convulsions and showing signs of early Parkinson's disease, while Barbie is reportedly "numb" from anaemia and malnutrition. Jonathan revealed that the previous contact with his parents on June 15 highlighted their alarming health decline – particularly Peter, who has faced episodes of severe convulsion on the prison floor, only to be moved to a thin mattress by his wife when guards were notified. The couple has been incarcerated in a maximum-security prison despite being declared innocent by a judge and facing no formal charges.
The United Nations has raised grave concerns, labeling their detention as "inhumane" and warning they are at high risk of "irreparable harm or even death" without prompt medical attention. A UN statement proposed an immediate transfer to a civilian hospital and questioned the rationale behind their continued detention, underscoring that the couple, married for 55 years, should not be held under such conditions, especially with their vulnerable health status.
In a statement from Taliban officials, the group committed to evaluating their situation with the intent of securing their release but has provided little assurance to the family, who have experienced extended periods of uncertainty. Jonathan emphasized the emotional toll of an ongoing wait, stating the repetitive promises of imminent release lead to heightened distress for the family.
Notably, the couple, who have lived in Afghanistan for nearly two decades and previously ran educational projects, were active in initiatives that supported mothers and children, even amid the Taliban's restriction on education for girls over 12 years. Their enduring passion for education underscores the tragic circumstances surrounding their current plight.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has acknowledged the limitations in support following the closure of British diplomatic presence in Kabul, which complicates efforts for the couple’s release. As the situation unfolds, the Reynolds family continues to advocate for their parents’ freedom and health, hoping that prioritizing their medical needs will prompt a de-escalation of this humanitarian crisis.
