A 79-year-old British man, Peter Reynolds, is in grave danger after being imprisoned by the Taliban in Afghanistan, according to his family. Reynolds, who operates a training business in the country with his wife Barbie, 75, was detained last month when the couple traveled to their residence in Bamiyan province. Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, expressed concern over her father's deteriorating health, noting he has developed a chest infection, eye infections, and digestive problems due to inadequate nutrition.
Entwistle emphasized the urgency of his situation, stating that without access to his heart medication—required after a mini-stroke—his life is at risk. She also revealed that Reynolds has suffered physical abuse and is in severe pain. In an appeal to the Taliban, she urged them to release her parents so they can access necessary medical care, framing it as an opportunity for the Taliban to show compassion.
The couple's business, Rebuild, has been active in Afghan schools for 18 years and continued its operations after the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Barbie was notably the first woman to receive a certificate of appreciation from the Taliban. The couple, along with their American-Chinese friend Faye Hall and a translator, were detained on February 1. The reason for their arrest is unclear, though Entwistle suspects it might be linked to their educational activities with mothers and children.
A Rebuild employee mentioned that the group's flight plans were not coordinated with local authorities, leading to their imprisonment in Kabul. Taliban official Abdul Mateen Qani stated that the situation is under review, and efforts will be made to release them soon. He also noted that the detained individuals hold Afghan passports and ID cards.
The couple, who met at the University of Bath and married in Kabul in 1970, have not sought UK government intervention in the matter. A Foreign Office representative confirmed they are assisting the family of the detained British nationals.