Taliban's Delayed Release Efforts for Elderly British Couple in Afghanistan Prison

Islamabad, Jul 23 (AP) The Taliban announced on Wednesday that efforts to secure the release of a British couple from an Afghan prison are ongoing, amidst concerns over their treatment raised by family members and UN officials. The couple, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, are in their 70s and were detained in early February, taken from their residence in Bamiyan province to the capital, Kabul. They operate an organization that provides educational and training programs. The family has reported mistreatment and undisclosed charges against them.

UN human rights specialists have urged for the couple's release, citing rapidly deteriorating physical and mental health, posing a risk of irreparable harm or even death. Taliban's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, dismissed allegations of rights violations, asserting that, “They are in constant contact with their families. Consular services are available. Efforts are underway to secure their release, but these steps have not yet been completed. Their human rights are being respected, with full access to treatment, communication, and accommodation provided.” However, he did not detail the specific steps being taken.

According to UN experts, the couple has been held in a maximum-security facility, moved to underground cells without sunlight, and then to above-ground cells at Kabul's General Directorate of Intelligence. Peter requires heart medication and has experienced two eye infections and intermittent tremors. He recently collapsed, while Barbie, who is anaemic, remains weak. UK Foreign Ministry officials visited them on July 17, as confirmed by family members.

The couple reportedly has no bed or furniture, sleeping on a floor mattress. Peter's face suffers from redness, peeling, and bleeding, possibly due to returning skin cancer that needs urgent attention. Their four adult children have privately appealed twice to the Taliban leadership, asking them to honor their principles of compassion, mercy, fairness, and human dignity.

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