Health Fears Rise for Detained British Couple in Afghanistan
The family of Peter and Barbie Reynolds, a British couple in their seventies, is increasingly concerned for their health as their court appearance in Afghanistan has been postponed. The couple, arrested on February 1 while returning to their home in Bamiyan province, has faced alarming conditions in detention, with reports of malnutrition and declining health. Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, has voiced her fears, stating that they have not been charged with any crime.
Detention Conditions Raise Alarm
Peter, 79, and Barbie, 75, were taken out of jail for a court appearance on Saturday but spent four hours sitting on the floor, chained to other prisoners. According to their daughter, the couple was informed at the last minute that they would not be seen by a judge. “The guards indicated that a different judge would now be handling the case,” Entwistle reported, expressing hope for a fair hearing in the coming week. The couple is currently being held separately and did not see each other during this latest court appearance.
Before their arrest, the Reynolds had dedicated 18 years to running training projects in Afghanistan, including initiatives aimed at educating mothers and children. Their work had reportedly received approval from local authorities, despite the Taliban’s restrictions on education for girls over 12 and the prohibition of women working in many sectors. The Taliban’s crackdown on women’s rights intensified in 2022, when they announced a ban on women working for non-governmental organizations.
Health Deterioration and Family Concerns
Sarah Entwistle has raised serious concerns about her parents’ health, revealing that her mother is receiving only one meal a day and is struggling to climb the stairs to the courtroom. “Mum’s health is rapidly deteriorating, and she is collapsing due to malnutrition,” she stated. Meanwhile, her father is experiencing tremors and his health is also declining. The family has appealed to the Taliban for their release as a goodwill gesture during Ramadan, emphasizing that no charges have been filed against them.
Entwistle expressed her devastation over the delay in their court proceedings, noting that it contradicts the Taliban’s claims that the situation is due to misunderstandings. “They have repeatedly stated that they will be released ‘soon’,” she said, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding their case. The couple’s plight has drawn attention to the broader issues of human rights and the treatment of foreign nationals in Afghanistan.
Limited Support from the UK Government
The UK government has expressed its limitations in assisting British nationals in Afghanistan, particularly after closing its embassy in Kabul following the Taliban’s return to power. The Foreign Office has advised against all travel to the country, stating that its ability to provide support is “extremely limited.” This situation complicates the Reynolds family’s efforts to secure their release and raises questions about the safety of foreign nationals in Afghanistan. In a statement to the BBC, Taliban official Abdul Mateen Qani acknowledged the ongoing considerations regarding the couple’s case, assuring that they would strive to release them as soon as possible. However, the lack of clear communication and the ongoing health concerns for the Reynolds couple continue to worry their family and supporters.
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