Despite efforts by the Taliban to secure their release, Jonathan Reynolds expressed deep frustration over the lack of concrete progress while the couple remains incarcerated under harsh conditions.
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Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, have been held in Taliban custody since February 1, 2023, with their safety increasingly jeopardized by significant health issues. Their son, Jonathan Reynolds, has voiced concerns to the media, indicating that both parents are suffering from severe health problems—his father's condition worsened by convulsions and signs of early Parkinson’s disease, while his mother is battling symptoms of malnutrition and anaemia.
The couple had lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, contributing to local education projects, when they were detained without clear charges. Despite a Taliban foreign minister asserting that they are receiving medical care, Jonathan expressed skepticism about their treatment, revealing that his father was kept in dreadful conditions among dangerous criminals.
The UN condemned the couple’s detention, urging for them to be moved to a civilian facility for necessary medical interventions. Jonathan's continued frustration reflects the lack of substantial support, highlighting that, while British officials have checked on the couple, there is an absence of a definitive timeline for their release. Moreover, the family has been informed to "just wait," but every week brings only uncertainty.
This distressing situation has further complications, as the UK Foreign Office has limited diplomatic capacity in Afghanistan after the recent turmoil, complicating efforts to assist detained nationals. At 55 years, Jonathan noted how his parents celebrated their wedding anniversary in captivity, underscoring the trauma they continue to endure with each passing day.
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Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, have been held in Taliban custody since February 1, 2023, with their safety increasingly jeopardized by significant health issues. Their son, Jonathan Reynolds, has voiced concerns to the media, indicating that both parents are suffering from severe health problems—his father's condition worsened by convulsions and signs of early Parkinson’s disease, while his mother is battling symptoms of malnutrition and anaemia.
The couple had lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, contributing to local education projects, when they were detained without clear charges. Despite a Taliban foreign minister asserting that they are receiving medical care, Jonathan expressed skepticism about their treatment, revealing that his father was kept in dreadful conditions among dangerous criminals.
The UN condemned the couple’s detention, urging for them to be moved to a civilian facility for necessary medical interventions. Jonathan's continued frustration reflects the lack of substantial support, highlighting that, while British officials have checked on the couple, there is an absence of a definitive timeline for their release. Moreover, the family has been informed to "just wait," but every week brings only uncertainty.
This distressing situation has further complications, as the UK Foreign Office has limited diplomatic capacity in Afghanistan after the recent turmoil, complicating efforts to assist detained nationals. At 55 years, Jonathan noted how his parents celebrated their wedding anniversary in captivity, underscoring the trauma they continue to endure with each passing day.
