An elderly British couple, Barbie Reynolds, 76, and her husband Peter, 80, who have lived in Afghanistan for almost two decades, have been released by the Taliban after nearly eight months of detention.
The couple, who met at Bath University and have been together since the 1960s, chose to remain in Afghanistan despite the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. They dedicated much of their lives to service in the country and had feared they might never leave prison alive.
Their ordeal began in February when they were detained while traveling to their home in Bamyan Province, central Afghanistan. The exact reasons behind their arrest remain unclear. However, after months of relentless campaigning by their family and delicate negotiations led by Qatar, the couple has finally regained their freedom.
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Following their release, Barbie Reynolds spoke at Kabul Airport, saying, “We’ve been treated very well. We’re looking forward to seeing our children. We are looking forward to returning to Afghanistan if we can. We are Afghan citizens.”
The couple was transferred from Kabul’s central prison to a larger facility as talks progressed. Before continuing their journey to the UK, they will undergo thorough medical examinations in Doha, according to a Qatari official familiar with the situation.
Their son, Jonathan Reynolds, had made a heartfelt plea in July, emphasizing their urgent need for release as their health rapidly declined. He revealed that his parents were being held without formal charges and separated in a high-security prison. He explained that Peter had suffered severe seizures in captivity, while Barbie had become numb due to poor nutrition and anemia.
Jonathan described the harsh conditions, saying, “It’s horrific that they’re still held in captivity without, to our understanding, for a period of time without any natural sunlight and not even allowed outside. Their health in so many areas is deteriorating, and it’s deteriorating fast.”
Now free, the couple is expected to reunite with their family within hours, bringing relief after a long and harrowing ordeal.