The article text:
The son of British nationals detained in Taliban custody has expressed grave concerns for their health, telling the BBC that he fears they may die in prison. Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, were arrested on February 1 while returning home in Bamiyan province, and the reasons for their detention remain unclear. Jonathan Reynolds, their son, reported that both parents' health is rapidly declining, with his father experiencing severe convulsions and his mother suffering from severe anaemia and malnutrition.
Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi assured that the couple is receiving medical attention, stating, "efforts are under way to secure their release," although the process remains incomplete. He claimed that all human rights are being respected and indicated that the couple has maintained "occasional contact" with their family.
However, the United Nations has voiced serious concerns about their situation, warning that the couple could perish under "degrading conditions" without immediate medical care, labeling their detention as "inhumane." Jonathan described the last five months as "harrowing and surreal" and shared that his parents had lived in Afghanistan for 18 years running educational initiatives.
One of these initiatives included training women and children, reportedly sanctioned by local authorities prior to the Taliban’s ban on education for girls over 12 and restrictions on women working. Despite being found "innocent" by a judge, the couple has been held in harsh conditions, including a maximum security prison. Jonathan revealed that his father was chained alongside serious criminals and that both have endured a period of being confined without sunlight for six weeks.
When they last communicated with their children on June 15, the couple's health had noticeably declined. Mr. Reynolds shared that his father was exhibiting symptoms resembling early Parkinson's disease and had endured convulsions on the prison floor. His mother displayed alarming signs of malnutrition, with blue hands and feet attributed to anaemia.
Jonathan remains uncertain about the specifics of their detention, expressing frustration at the ongoing delays in their release while appreciating recent communication from British officials who recently visited his parents. He noted that his parents have celebrated recent birthdays in prison, and their 55th wedding anniversary passed without freedom.
The UN human rights body reiterated the urgent need for an assessment of the grounds for their detention and called for their immediate transfer to a civilian hospital due to the risks associated with their fragile health. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated they are assisting the family of the detained couple but pointed to the limitations of their support following the closure of the UK embassy in Kabul after the Taliban regained power in 2021, advising against travel to Afghanistan.
The son of British nationals detained in Taliban custody has expressed grave concerns for their health, telling the BBC that he fears they may die in prison. Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, were arrested on February 1 while returning home in Bamiyan province, and the reasons for their detention remain unclear. Jonathan Reynolds, their son, reported that both parents' health is rapidly declining, with his father experiencing severe convulsions and his mother suffering from severe anaemia and malnutrition.
Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi assured that the couple is receiving medical attention, stating, "efforts are under way to secure their release," although the process remains incomplete. He claimed that all human rights are being respected and indicated that the couple has maintained "occasional contact" with their family.
However, the United Nations has voiced serious concerns about their situation, warning that the couple could perish under "degrading conditions" without immediate medical care, labeling their detention as "inhumane." Jonathan described the last five months as "harrowing and surreal" and shared that his parents had lived in Afghanistan for 18 years running educational initiatives.
One of these initiatives included training women and children, reportedly sanctioned by local authorities prior to the Taliban’s ban on education for girls over 12 and restrictions on women working. Despite being found "innocent" by a judge, the couple has been held in harsh conditions, including a maximum security prison. Jonathan revealed that his father was chained alongside serious criminals and that both have endured a period of being confined without sunlight for six weeks.
When they last communicated with their children on June 15, the couple's health had noticeably declined. Mr. Reynolds shared that his father was exhibiting symptoms resembling early Parkinson's disease and had endured convulsions on the prison floor. His mother displayed alarming signs of malnutrition, with blue hands and feet attributed to anaemia.
Jonathan remains uncertain about the specifics of their detention, expressing frustration at the ongoing delays in their release while appreciating recent communication from British officials who recently visited his parents. He noted that his parents have celebrated recent birthdays in prison, and their 55th wedding anniversary passed without freedom.
The UN human rights body reiterated the urgent need for an assessment of the grounds for their detention and called for their immediate transfer to a civilian hospital due to the risks associated with their fragile health. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated they are assisting the family of the detained couple but pointed to the limitations of their support following the closure of the UK embassy in Kabul after the Taliban regained power in 2021, advising against travel to Afghanistan.
