A British couple who were detained for nearly eight months by the Taliban in Afghanistan have been released.
Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, who have lived in the country for nearly two decades, were on their way home when they were stopped on February 1.
The couple were freed through Qatari mediation. A Qatari official stated they would fly to Qatar for medical checks before traveling on to the UK, although they have a long-term residence in Afghanistan's Bamiyan province.
The Taliban has not disclosed the reason for their detention, despite four court appearances.
The couple, married in Kabul in 1970, dedicated the last 18 years to running a charitable training program approved by local Taliban officials after the group reclaimed power in 2021.
Described as having a lifelong love for Afghanistan, they chose to remain in the country following the Taliban takeover, unlike many other Westerners who left.
The release comes after months of public lobbying by their family, who reported harrowing conditions during their detention.
According to their son, Jonathan Reynolds, his father suffered serious convulsions, while his mother battled anaemia and malnutrition.
The couple's daughter, Sarah Entwistle, had reported her father experiencing a mini-stroke, with the UN warning that without medical care, both were at risk of irreparable harm.
Just six days prior to their release, an American woman detained alongside them indicated that the elderly couple's health was rapidly declining, stating they were 'literally dying' in prison.
Despite the Taliban's claims of providing adequate medical care and respecting human rights, conditions remained dire for the Reynolds.
The UK does not recognize the Taliban government and has limited support capabilities for British nationals in Afghanistan, advising against all travel to the region.
