British couple faces life-threatening conditions in Taliban custody

In Afghanistan, Barbie Reynolds, aged 76, and her husband Peter Reynolds, aged 80, have been detained by the Taliban since February 1, 2025. The couple, who had been living in Afghanistan for 18 years running education and training programs, were arrested when they returned from their home in Bamyan province to Kabul. Their family members have raised serious concerns over their health, stating that the couple has not been charged with any crimes and have been subjected to poor conditions during their imprisonment. Reports indicate that Peter has suffered from various health issues during detention, including potential heart complications and skin cancer. Barbie also faces health challenges, including anemia, leading to worries for their well-being. The couple was first held in a maximum-security prison and now remains at the General Directorate of Intelligence in Kabul, where their living conditions reportedly remain inadequate, forcing them to sleep on a mattress on the floor without proper medical care. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have made public appeals to the Taliban for their release, warning that their parents could die in custody if conditions do not improve. Although the Taliban's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, claims that their rights are being respected and efforts are being made for their release, human rights experts have contradicted these assertions, calling for an immediate review of the grounds for their detention. The last communication with their family took place five weeks prior, with alarming reports of their deteriorating health status. Despite these urgent appeals, no progress has been observed in securing the couple's release. The circumstances surrounding their arrest remain unclear, with the family seeking more information and validation of their claims from the Taliban. The overall situation has drawn attention from the United Nations, with experts emphasizing the potential for irreversible harm or even death without adequate healthcare. The Reynolds couple’s fate remains uncertain, drawing international concern regarding human rights violations in the context of their detention by the ruling Taliban government.