The Reynolds family seeks urgent intervention amid worsening health concerns of Peter and Barbie Reynolds, aged 80 and 76, held in Taliban custody.
**Family Fears for Health of British Couple Imprisoned by Taliban**
**Family Fears for Health of British Couple Imprisoned by Taliban**
Son expresses concerns over deteriorating health conditions of detained parents in Afghanistan.
The plight of a British couple detained by the Taliban continues to draw attention, as their son Jonathan Reynolds fears for their health and safety. Peter, 80, and Barbie, 76, were arrested on February 1 while returning to their home in Bamiyan Province, Afghanistan. Five months later, Jonathan relayed his concerns to the BBC, warning that both his parents may possibly die if they do not receive adequate medical treatment.
Reports indicate that Mr. Reynolds has been suffering from serious convulsions while his wife battles severe anemia and malnutrition. The United Nations has voiced similar concerns, indicating that both individuals are being held under "inhumane" conditions and warning that without timely medical intervention, their lives could be at risk.
Jonathan described the situation as “harrowing and surreal,” detailing the alarming health decline of his parents, who were held in a maximum-security prison with dangerous criminals despite having no charges against them. He recalled instances of confinement in deplorable conditions, including a six-week period in a dark basement without sunlight.
The couple last communicated with their family on June 15, revealing the extent of their health issues. Jonathan expressed his fears that his father may be facing early Parkinson’s symptoms, while his mother displayed alarming signs of anemia. Additionally, there remains uncertainty about their location and the status of any official efforts for their release despite Mr. Reynolds being declared innocent by a judge.
The UN human rights body has condemned their detention and called for their immediate transfer to a civilian medical facility, emphasizing the inhumane conditions under which they are currently held. They have raised the case with both the Taliban and the UK government.
The Reynolds have deep roots in Afghanistan, having married in Kabul in 1970 and lived there for over four decades, providing educational training services before restrictions were placed on women’s rights and education in the country. Although a Taliban official indicated in February that efforts would be made to secure their release, their continuous imprisonment leads to mounting concerns for their well-being as time progresses.
As the UK government has limited diplomatic presence in Afghanistan following the Taliban's resurgence, the Reynolds family continues to seek a resolution while navigating a challenging situation that grows increasingly desperate with each passing day.
