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On 21 July 2025, the children of Barbie Reynolds (76) and Peter Reynolds (80)—a British couple detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan—issued a renewed public appeal for their parents’ release, warning they may “die in custody” if urgent action is not taken.
🕊️ Background and Detention
- The couple was arrested on 1 February 2025 while traveling to their home in Bamyan province, where they have lived for 18 years, running education and training programs.
- They were held separately in Pul-e-Charkhi maximum-security prison in Kabul for over three months before being transferred to the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) eight weeks ago.
- Despite a promise of release within days, they remain in detention without charge.
⚠️ Health Concerns
- A remote medical assessment suggests Peter Reynolds may have suffered a stroke or silent heart attack, and is showing signs of a possible skin cancer relapse.
- Barbie Reynolds is experiencing numbness in her feet, linked to anaemia, potentially caused by inadequate nutrition during incarceration.
- The couple reportedly sleep on a mattress on the floor and lack basic furnishings at the GDI facility.
🗣️ Family and Diplomatic Efforts
- Their four adult children, based in the UK and US, have made private and public appeals to Taliban leadership, emphasizing their parents’ long-standing commitment to Afghanistan’s development.
- The UK Foreign Office conducted an exceptional welfare visit last Thursday.
- Sarah Entwistle, one of the children, stated: “We have maintained a media blackout for two months to show respect and trust the process. But with no progress, we are now publicly appealing again.”
🌍 UN Intervention
- The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Edwards, is expected to issue a statement calling for the couple’s immediate release, citing degrading conditions and deteriorating health.
- Edwards warned that without access to medical care, the couple faces irreparable harm or death.
