British Couple's Ordeal in Taliban Detention: A Tale of Survival and Dismissal

Fri Oct 10 2025 19:33:08 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Peter and Barbie Reynolds recount their traumatic seven-and-a-half-month detention in Afghanistan, where they were held in multiple prisons and faced the constant fear of execution, before being finally released thanks to diplomatic interventions.

Peter, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, were released after months of detention by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Having operated charity work in the country for nearly 20 years, their sudden arrest left them puzzled and fearful for their lives. Their experience reflects the complexities of life under Taliban rule, showcasing both the terror they faced and the support they received from diplomatic channels for their eventual release. Now back in the UK, they seek to process their experience while expressing understanding for the Afghan people left behind.

A British couple released by the Taliban in Afghanistan last week say they were detained in 10 different prisons and at one point thought they would be executed.

Peter, 80, and wife Barbie Reynolds, 76, said it was never explained to them why they were being held, nor why they were released.

The couple, who have run a charity programme in Afghanistan for almost two decades, arrived back in the UK on Saturday after seven and a half months in detention.

Good, old-fashioned diplomacy ended their ordeal, Hamish Falconer, minister for the Middle East, told the BBC, and again thanked the government of Qatar, which helped mediate their release.

Both suffered health problems while in prison, including severe anaemia. Taliban officials maintained they received adequate medical care during their detention and that their human rights were respected.

They were arrested on 1 February this year after taking a chartered flight from Kabul to Bamiyan province, along with friend Faye Hall and their translator who were later released.

A spokesperson for the Taliban foreign ministry, speaking after their release, said they had served their time but did not reveal the reasons for their detention.

Peter and Barbie were taken to court around four times, each time there was no charge.

Back in the UK, after nearly eight months of oily and salty prison food, Barbie told the Sunday Times she would like to have some salad and marmite, while Peter was hankering for baked beans.

Peter and Barbie said they won't be returning to Afghanistan for now.

We are confident in the many wonderful Afghans we know to bring about a positive future for their country without us, they said.