"Peter and Barbie Reynolds, arrested in Afghanistan five months ago, face dire circumstances in prison, leading their son to fear they may not survive. The UN and their family call for urgent medical care and an immediate review of their detention."
"Concerns Mount for British Couple Detained by Taliban Amid Deteriorating Health Conditions"
"Concerns Mount for British Couple Detained by Taliban Amid Deteriorating Health Conditions"
"The son of detained British nationals Peter and Barbie Reynolds warns of potential death as their health rapidly declines in Taliban custody."
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The son of a British couple detained in Afghanistan has expressed grave fears for their wellbeing, warning that they may not survive their imprisonment under Taliban rule. Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, were arrested on February 1 while attempting to return home in Bamiyan province, and the reasons for their detention remain unclear.
Jonathan Reynolds, their son, reported to the BBC that his parents’ health is quickly deteriorating, with his father experiencing severe convulsions and his mother suffering from severe anaemia and malnutrition. Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi assured the public that they were receiving proper medical attention and that efforts are ongoing to secure their release, although no further details were provided.
The UN has raised alarms over the couple's conditions, declaring their detention "inhumane" and warning that they may perish if immediate medical assistance is not provided. Mr. Reynolds characterized the past five months as a "harrowing and surreal" experience, emphasizing the harsh conditions his parents endure, including being housed in a maximum security prison despite a judge declaring them innocent and without charges.
According to Jonathan, their last contact on June 15 revealed alarming health issues. His father’s condition appears to be worsening, possibly indicating early Parkinson's disease, while his mother exhibits symptoms of severe malnutrition. Their time in confinement has included being kept without natural light for extended periods, further threatening their health.
Despite the lack of progress toward their release, Jonathan expressed gratitude for recent visits from British officials, who provided evidence of his parents' continued survival. However, he conveyed frustration at the ongoing delays, which lead to repetitive updates suggesting they would be released shortly.
The couple has endured significant personal milestones in prison, including recent birthdays and their 55th wedding anniversary, remarking that while they are together, they remain unlawfully detained. The UN echoed this concern, asserting that there is no justification for their continued detention and calling for their immediate transfer to a civilian hospital to prevent further health deterioration.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has stated its commitment to supporting the Reynolds family but acknowledges that assistance for British citizens in Afghanistan is extremely limited. Travel to the country is advised against following the UK’s embassy closure after the Taliban regained power in 2021.
The son of a British couple detained in Afghanistan has expressed grave fears for their wellbeing, warning that they may not survive their imprisonment under Taliban rule. Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, were arrested on February 1 while attempting to return home in Bamiyan province, and the reasons for their detention remain unclear.
Jonathan Reynolds, their son, reported to the BBC that his parents’ health is quickly deteriorating, with his father experiencing severe convulsions and his mother suffering from severe anaemia and malnutrition. Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi assured the public that they were receiving proper medical attention and that efforts are ongoing to secure their release, although no further details were provided.
The UN has raised alarms over the couple's conditions, declaring their detention "inhumane" and warning that they may perish if immediate medical assistance is not provided. Mr. Reynolds characterized the past five months as a "harrowing and surreal" experience, emphasizing the harsh conditions his parents endure, including being housed in a maximum security prison despite a judge declaring them innocent and without charges.
According to Jonathan, their last contact on June 15 revealed alarming health issues. His father’s condition appears to be worsening, possibly indicating early Parkinson's disease, while his mother exhibits symptoms of severe malnutrition. Their time in confinement has included being kept without natural light for extended periods, further threatening their health.
Despite the lack of progress toward their release, Jonathan expressed gratitude for recent visits from British officials, who provided evidence of his parents' continued survival. However, he conveyed frustration at the ongoing delays, which lead to repetitive updates suggesting they would be released shortly.
The couple has endured significant personal milestones in prison, including recent birthdays and their 55th wedding anniversary, remarking that while they are together, they remain unlawfully detained. The UN echoed this concern, asserting that there is no justification for their continued detention and calling for their immediate transfer to a civilian hospital to prevent further health deterioration.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has stated its commitment to supporting the Reynolds family but acknowledges that assistance for British citizens in Afghanistan is extremely limited. Travel to the country is advised against following the UK’s embassy closure after the Taliban regained power in 2021.
