The son of a British couple imprisoned by the Taliban in Afghanistan has expressed grave concerns for their survival as he reports their health is rapidly declining. Peter Reynolds, 80, and Barbie, 76, were arrested on February 1 while attempting to return home to Bamiyan province. The specifics of their detention remain unclear, but their son Jonathan has reported alarming health issues, including convulsions and malnutrition, affecting both parents.
Jonathan Reynolds has conveyed his fears that his parents could die in prison without immediate medical attention. Despite Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's assurances of medical care and respect for human rights, Jonathan described their living conditions as harsh, including stints in solitary confinement without sunlight.
The United Nations has issued warnings that the couple could perish in their current conditions, labeling their detention as "inhumane." The UN's human rights body has demanded a review of their case and transfer to civilian medical care, questioning the rationale behind their detention when they have been deemed innocent by a judge.
Having lived and worked in Afghanistan for 18 years, the couple contributed to local education initiatives, including training women and children, despite the Taliban's restrictions on education for girls over the age of 12. Jonathan highlighted the emotional toll of waiting for their release, with his parents celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary in prison.
As the UK Foreign Office continues to negotiate their release, Jonathan remains disappointed with the lack of progress, stating, “Every week it seems like we’re told, 'just wait two or three more days now...'” Though grateful for recent diplomatic visits, the urgency for action grows as their health deteriorates. The situation underscores the severe limitations faced by British officials following the closure of their embassy in Kabul.
Jonathan Reynolds has conveyed his fears that his parents could die in prison without immediate medical attention. Despite Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's assurances of medical care and respect for human rights, Jonathan described their living conditions as harsh, including stints in solitary confinement without sunlight.
The United Nations has issued warnings that the couple could perish in their current conditions, labeling their detention as "inhumane." The UN's human rights body has demanded a review of their case and transfer to civilian medical care, questioning the rationale behind their detention when they have been deemed innocent by a judge.
Having lived and worked in Afghanistan for 18 years, the couple contributed to local education initiatives, including training women and children, despite the Taliban's restrictions on education for girls over the age of 12. Jonathan highlighted the emotional toll of waiting for their release, with his parents celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary in prison.
As the UK Foreign Office continues to negotiate their release, Jonathan remains disappointed with the lack of progress, stating, “Every week it seems like we’re told, 'just wait two or three more days now...'” Though grateful for recent diplomatic visits, the urgency for action grows as their health deteriorates. The situation underscores the severe limitations faced by British officials following the closure of their embassy in Kabul.
