Health Risks Rising for British Nationals Detained by Taliban in Afghanistan
Peter and Barbie Reynolds, a British couple imprisoned by the Taliban, face serious health risks after their detention in Afghanistan. Their daughter highlights Peter’s deteriorating health and appeals for their release, advocating for compassion from their captors. The couple’s long-standing commitment to educational projects complicates their situation while international authorities monitor developments.
The life of Peter Reynolds, a 79-year-old British man, along with his wife Barbie, 75, is in jeopardy after being imprisoned by the Taliban. The couple, who runs a training business in Afghanistan, were detained last month during their travel to Bamiyan province. Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, expressed grave concerns regarding her father’s health, stating it has significantly deteriorated since their separation and relocation to a high-security prison.
Entwistle reported that her father is suffering from a chest infection, double eye infection, and severe digestive issues due to inadequate nutrition. She emphasized, “Without immediate access to necessary medication, his life is in serious danger.” Peter requires heart medication due to a mini-stroke he had prior to detention. She also revealed that he is in immense pain following allegations of being beaten and shackled.
Entwistle made a heartfelt appeal to the Taliban, urging the release of her parents so they can return home for vital medical care. She framed this request not just as a plea, but as a unique opportunity for the Taliban to show global kindness. The couple’s organization, Rebuild, has been active in Afghanistan for 18 years, working on school projects even after the Taliban took over in 2021.
The couple was arrested on February 1, along with their American-Chinese friend Faye Hall and a translator. The reasons for their detention remain unclear; Entwistle suspects it may relate to their efforts in educating mothers. A Rebuild employee indicated that their flight did not comply with local government coordination, leading to their imprisonment in Kabul.
Taliban official Abdul Mateen Qani stated in February that they are considering various factors, hinting at a possible future release. It’s noted that the detained foreign nationals possess Afghan passports. Originally wed in Kabul in 1970 after meeting at the University of Bath, the couple’s family reportedly did not wish for UK government intervention. The Foreign Office has confirmed its support for the family of the detained individuals.
Peter and Barbie Reynolds are entangled in a dire situation following their detention in Afghanistan. With Peter’s health rapidly declining, urgent appeals for their release highlight the broader implications of their case. Their long-standing commitment to education in Afghanistan adds depth to their plight, and the family awaits a compassionate resolution. The involvement of authorities indicates a complex interplay of considerations regarding their situation, emphasizing the families’ desire for speedy intervention.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
