The son of Peter and Barbie Reynolds, a British couple detained in Afghanistan by the Taliban, has expressed grave concerns for their health, warning that their conditions in prison are deteriorating rapidly and that they may face death if not released soon.
British Couple Detained by Taliban Face Dire Health Risks, Fears Son
British Couple Detained by Taliban Face Dire Health Risks, Fears Son
Son of detained British couple warns of potential prison death amidst declining health and UN calls for medical care.
Peter, aged 80, and Barbie, 76, were arrested on February 1 while returning to their home in Bamiyan province after spending 18 years in Afghanistan. Their son, Jonathan Reynolds, informed the BBC that his father's health has worsened significantly, experiencing severe convulsions, while his mother suffers from anemia and malnutrition. The United Nations has raised alarms over their situation, labeling it "inhumane" and noting the risk of death due to lack of medical care.
Jonathan described the emotional toll of waiting for his parents' release, stating that they have been held under harsh conditions despite being found innocent by a judge and not facing any formal charges. He recounted how they were kept chained to dangerous individuals in a maximum security facility and confined in a basement without sunlight for six weeks.
The couple's last contact with their family on June 15 revealed their deteriorating health; Jonathan reported that his father showed signs of early Parkinson's disease and had suffered convulsions on the prison floor, while his mother displayed symptoms linked to malnutrition. Despite attempts to communicate their plight, Jonathan conveyed his frustration at the lack of concrete progress in securing their release, with repeated delays and assurances from authorities.
The UN has called for their immediate transfer to a civilian hospital, emphasizing the need for urgent medical attention due to their fragile health. They condemned their continued detention, stating that there is no justification for keeping an elderly couple locked up under such degrading conditions.
Married in Kabul in 1970, the Reynolds have dedicated their lives to community projects in Afghanistan. Despite the Taliban's ban on education for girls over 12 and restrictions on women's work, their educational initiatives were initially supported by local authorities.
A Taliban official previously stated that the group would do their utmost to facilitate the couple's release as soon as possible. However, with the UK embassy closed since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) has acknowledged limited capacity to aid British citizens in Afghanistan.
As the situation continues to unfold, Jonathan remains hopeful his parents will soon be freed, yet the looming threat to their health is a constant concern.
Jonathan described the emotional toll of waiting for his parents' release, stating that they have been held under harsh conditions despite being found innocent by a judge and not facing any formal charges. He recounted how they were kept chained to dangerous individuals in a maximum security facility and confined in a basement without sunlight for six weeks.
The couple's last contact with their family on June 15 revealed their deteriorating health; Jonathan reported that his father showed signs of early Parkinson's disease and had suffered convulsions on the prison floor, while his mother displayed symptoms linked to malnutrition. Despite attempts to communicate their plight, Jonathan conveyed his frustration at the lack of concrete progress in securing their release, with repeated delays and assurances from authorities.
The UN has called for their immediate transfer to a civilian hospital, emphasizing the need for urgent medical attention due to their fragile health. They condemned their continued detention, stating that there is no justification for keeping an elderly couple locked up under such degrading conditions.
Married in Kabul in 1970, the Reynolds have dedicated their lives to community projects in Afghanistan. Despite the Taliban's ban on education for girls over 12 and restrictions on women's work, their educational initiatives were initially supported by local authorities.
A Taliban official previously stated that the group would do their utmost to facilitate the couple's release as soon as possible. However, with the UK embassy closed since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) has acknowledged limited capacity to aid British citizens in Afghanistan.
As the situation continues to unfold, Jonathan remains hopeful his parents will soon be freed, yet the looming threat to their health is a constant concern.
