British Couple's Health Declines Amid Ongoing Taliban Detention

Jonathan Reynolds expresses fears for his parents' lives as they face severe health issues while detained in Afghanistan. The UN criticizes their treatment and calls for immediate medical assistance, but uncertainty surrounds their release.

The son of a British couple detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan has raised urgent concerns over their declining health, warning they may face death in prison. Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife, Barbie, 76, were arrested in February while attempting to return to their home in Bamiyan province. The reason for their detention remains unclear.

Jonathan Reynolds, their son, stated that their health is rapidly deteriorating, with his father suffering from convulsions and his mother exhibiting signs of severe malnutrition and anaemia. Despite the Taliban's foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, assuring that the couple receive medical care and that efforts are underway for their release, Jonathan remains unconvinced, noting, "All their human rights are being respected" has not translated into better conditions.

The UN has recently highlighted the "inhumane" conditions in which the couple is held, warning they could perish without immediate medical attention. Jonathan described the last five months as "harrowing and surreal," revealing that his parents, who had lived in Afghanistan for nearly two decades, faced harsh prison conditions despite being deemed innocent by a judge.

His father has been reportedly chained alongside violent criminals and held without sufficient medical care. Jonathan recounted a disturbing incident where his father endured convulsions on the prison floor before finally receiving some assistance. His mother is described as seriously ill, suffering from apparent malnutrition and anaemia.

Amidst reports of a lack of contact with his parents and uncertainty regarding their release, Jonathan expressed gratitude for the British officials' recent visit, who provided proof of life through a family photo.

However, the ongoing struggle for their release remains frustrating. “Every week, it seems like we're heard to just wait a little longer,” he lamented, noting the couple had celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in confinement.

The UN has actively engaged with the Taliban and UK officials, advocating for an urgent review of the couple’s detention. Despite the challenges, the UK Foreign Office remains involved, albeit acknowledging the significant limitations following the evacuation of British diplomats after the 2021 Taliban takeover.