British couple in their 70s detained by Taliban in Afghanistan

A British couple in their seventies, Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, have been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan. The pair were arrested on February 1 while returning to their home in Bamiyan, where they have been running training projects for nearly two decades. Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, has not heard from them in over two weeks and has called for their release.

The exact reason for their arrest remains unclear. However, one of their projects involved training mothers and children, which had reportedly received local approval despite the Taliban’s strict ban on women working and education for girls over the age of 12. The couple had been involved in various educational initiatives since 2009, operating programs in five schools in Kabul and one in Bamiyan.

Peter and Barbie Reynolds originally met at the University of Bath and married in Kabul in 1970. Unlike many Westerners who left Afghanistan after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, they chose to stay, believing their work was vital for local communities. They continued their efforts despite the increasing restrictions imposed by the Taliban on education and women’s participation in society.

Following their arrest, the couple initially remained in contact with their four children through text messages. They were being held by the Taliban’s interior ministry and had reassured their family that they were “fine.” However, communication abruptly stopped after three days, and their children have heard nothing since.

Ms. Entwistle, speaking from her home in Daventry, Northamptonshire, expressed her concerns, saying the family desperately wants her parents to be released so they can return home. She emphasized that her parents had always been careful to follow local rules, even as they frequently changed. She also raised concerns about her father’s health, as he requires heart medication following a mini-stroke.

In addition to the British couple, their American friend Faye Hall and a translator from their business were also arrested, according to the sources. A former employee described the Reynolds as the most honorable people he has ever met and confirmed that Mr. Reynolds had been denied access to his medication, putting his health at risk.

The couple’s four children have written directly to the Taliban, pleading for their release. In their letter, they expressed their confusion over the arrest and reaffirmed their parents’ commitment to Afghanistan. They also rejected any notion that their parents should be used in negotiations between the Taliban and Western governments, emphasizing that Peter and Barbie Reynolds had dedicated their lives to helping the Afghan people.

The UK Foreign Office has acknowledged the detention of two British nationals but has limited ability to assist, as the UK does not recognize the Taliban and has no embassy in Kabul. Taliban sources told the BBC that the couple had been arrested approximately 20 days ago while allegedly using a plane without notifying local authorities. The Taliban has previously enforced strict measures against NGOs, banning women from working with such organizations in 2022 and threatening to close any NGOs employing women.

As the Reynolds’ family continues to appeal for their release, concerns remain over their safety and well-being in Taliban custody.