British Couple Detained in Afghanistan: Daughter Fears for Parents’ Health
The daughter of an elderly British couple imprisoned in Afghanistan has voiced concerns that her parents may die in custody as their health declines. Peter Reynolds, 79, and Barbie Reynolds, 75, were detained after returning to their residence in Bamiyan province on February 1. The reasons for their apprehension remain undisclosed.
Unclear Charges and Concerns Over Women’s Education
While no formal charges have been filed, it is suspected the Taliban became interested in the couple due to their operation of a course teaching mothering skills to women. This aligns with the group’s strict limitations on female education.
Deteriorating Health in Detention
Sarah Entwistle, the couple’s eldest daughter, reports that her father’s health has worsened significantly over the nearly two months since their detention. She stated that her mother has also suffered “collapsing due to malnutrition.”
Father Moved to Maximum Security Prison
Since Peter Reynolds was separated from his wife and transferred to a high-security prison by the Taliban, his condition has further deteriorated. According to Entwistle, speaking to The Times, he has experienced a chest infection, double eye infection, and severe digestive problems. She emphasized that without immediate medical attention, his life could be at risk.
Entwistle added, “He’s experiencing tremors in his head and left arm.”
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Family Frustration and Unmet Promises of Release
Ms. Entwistle expressed her family’s frustration that her parents remain detained despite repeated assurances from the Taliban that Peter and Barbie Reynolds would be released shortly due to misunderstandings.
“The guards indicated that a different judge would now be handling the case, and we continue to hope they will receive a fair hearing in the coming week,” Entwistle stated.
Peter, 79, and Barbie Reynolds, 75, were arrested after they returned to their home in Bamiyan province on February 1
Mr and Mrs Reynolds married in Kabul in 1970 after meeting as students at Bath University
The Reynolds refused to flee Afghanistan when the Taliban unexpectedly seized power in August 2021 (File image of Taliban fighters)
Court Appearance and Interpreter Detained
The distressing news comes days after the couple were reportedly summoned to court with little notice. Their interpreter, who has been assisting them, has also been detained and is now considered a “suspect.”
In an update shared with the Mail, Sarah Entwistle, from Daventry, Northamptonshire, revealed that Mrs. Reynolds contacted her from a public telephone to convey the “distressing” information about the impending court appearance.
Mrs. Entwistle clarified, “They have not been informed of any charges having been filed against them. The reason for the court hearing remains unclear.”
Interpreter’s Detention Raises Concerns Over Fair Hearing
In a concerning development, the couple’s interpreter, who has been providing care for Mr. Reynolds amidst his health issues, is now detained as a “suspect” without any stated charges, according to Entwistle.
“He will no longer be permitted to translate for them and is also scheduled to appear in court with them tomorrow,” she added.
“Mum is obviously extremely worried that without a qualified interpreter, their case cannot be accurately or fairly represented and they will be unable to properly follow or participate in the proceedings, representing a serious breach of their rights.”
Sources within the Taliban say the arrests are a bid to increase international pressure on the government and its supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada (pictured)
Their arrest was ordered by a commander linked to the Haqqani network, a faction led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the interior minister (pictured)
Long-Term Residents and Community Contributors
The Reynoldses declined to leave Afghanistan when the Taliban unexpectedly took control in August 2021. Mrs. Entwistle stated they believed “they could not leave when Afghans were in their hour of need.”
Married in Kabul in 1970 after meeting as students at Bath University, Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds hold dual British-Afghan citizenship and have resided in Afghanistan for 18 years.
They manage five schools in Kabul, including a mothers and children training program that reportedly has the approval of the Taliban.