Jonathan Reynolds, son of Peter and Barbie Reynolds, aging British citizens held in Afghanistan since February, voiced fears that their deteriorating health may lead to death in prison. The couple was arrested without clear charges while returning to their home in Bamiyan province. Amid international calls for their release, the Taliban claims they are receiving medical care while the UN warns of the inhumane conditions they face.
**Fears Grow for Health of British Couple Detained by Taliban as Son Issues Warning**
**Fears Grow for Health of British Couple Detained by Taliban as Son Issues Warning**
A son of a British couple imprisoned by the Taliban expresses grave concerns for his parents' health after five months in custody.
In a harrowing account shared with the BBC, Jonathan Reynolds described his father, 80, suffering severe convulsions and his mother, 76, struggling with malnutrition and anaemia. This couple has spent 18 years in Afghanistan contributing to education projects approved by authorities, despite the Taliban's ban on educational opportunities for girls over 12 and restrictions on women's employment. They were reportedly held in harsh conditions despite a judge deeming them innocent.
The Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, assured that efforts are being made for their release, although no timeline has been provided. A UN statement emphasized the urgent need for medical care, suggesting their detention conditions could lead to "irreparable harm" or death. Reynolds welcomed the British officials' recent visit to his parents but expressed frustration over the lack of progress toward their release.
The couple's situation has drawn attention, raising questions about their continued detention given their health challenges. They each celebrated their birthdays and recently their 55th wedding anniversary in prison. With diplomatic support in Afghanistan severely limited after the UK’s embassy closure, the family remains hopeful yet increasingly anxious about the fate of Peter and Barbie Reynolds.
The Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, assured that efforts are being made for their release, although no timeline has been provided. A UN statement emphasized the urgent need for medical care, suggesting their detention conditions could lead to "irreparable harm" or death. Reynolds welcomed the British officials' recent visit to his parents but expressed frustration over the lack of progress toward their release.
The couple's situation has drawn attention, raising questions about their continued detention given their health challenges. They each celebrated their birthdays and recently their 55th wedding anniversary in prison. With diplomatic support in Afghanistan severely limited after the UK’s embassy closure, the family remains hopeful yet increasingly anxious about the fate of Peter and Barbie Reynolds.
