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Peter and Barbie Reynolds, a British couple arrested by the Taliban five months ago while returning to their home in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, are continuing to face dire conditions in prison, according to their son, Jonathan. He expressed grave concerns that they could succumb to health complications if immediate medical care is not provided.
Both parents have been detained since February 1, with Jonathan revealing that their health has significantly worsened; his father suffers from serious convulsions, while his mother is experiencing severe malnutrition and anaemia. The United Nations has labeled their detention as inhumane, warning that without proper medical attention, they are at risk of "irreparable harm or even death".
Conditions described by Jonathan suggest the couple is being held in harsh environments, with reports of being kept in maximum security and without sunlight for extended periods. Despite being deemed innocent, they are still in custody without facing any charges. Jonathan recalled the harrowing experience over the past five months, stating that communication with the Taliban about his parents' release seems to go in circles, with officials suggesting that the couple would be released "as soon as possible."
The couple celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary while in prison, and Jonathan expressed gratitude that they could remain together during this challenging ordeal. Yet, the uncertainty and lack of definitive communication about their release continue to weigh heavily on the family. He expressed hope that the UK Foreign Office might advocate for their situation, but the challenges are exacerbated by the fact that the UK government has limited its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan following the Taliban's return to power.
The United Nations has raised concerns related to the couple's detention with both the Taliban and UK authorities, emphasizing that no valid reason exists for their continued incarceration. The couple, who married in Kabul in 1970, spent nearly two decades running education and training projects in Afghanistan, initiatives that were reportedly approved by local authorities before the Taliban imposed restrictions on education for girls and women's employment. Taliban spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani reiterated in February that efforts would be made to release the couple following various considerations.
Peter and Barbie Reynolds, a British couple arrested by the Taliban five months ago while returning to their home in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, are continuing to face dire conditions in prison, according to their son, Jonathan. He expressed grave concerns that they could succumb to health complications if immediate medical care is not provided.
Both parents have been detained since February 1, with Jonathan revealing that their health has significantly worsened; his father suffers from serious convulsions, while his mother is experiencing severe malnutrition and anaemia. The United Nations has labeled their detention as inhumane, warning that without proper medical attention, they are at risk of "irreparable harm or even death".
Conditions described by Jonathan suggest the couple is being held in harsh environments, with reports of being kept in maximum security and without sunlight for extended periods. Despite being deemed innocent, they are still in custody without facing any charges. Jonathan recalled the harrowing experience over the past five months, stating that communication with the Taliban about his parents' release seems to go in circles, with officials suggesting that the couple would be released "as soon as possible."
The couple celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary while in prison, and Jonathan expressed gratitude that they could remain together during this challenging ordeal. Yet, the uncertainty and lack of definitive communication about their release continue to weigh heavily on the family. He expressed hope that the UK Foreign Office might advocate for their situation, but the challenges are exacerbated by the fact that the UK government has limited its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan following the Taliban's return to power.
The United Nations has raised concerns related to the couple's detention with both the Taliban and UK authorities, emphasizing that no valid reason exists for their continued incarceration. The couple, who married in Kabul in 1970, spent nearly two decades running education and training projects in Afghanistan, initiatives that were reportedly approved by local authorities before the Taliban imposed restrictions on education for girls and women's employment. Taliban spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani reiterated in February that efforts would be made to release the couple following various considerations.
