An elderly British couple, Barbie Reynolds, 76, and Peter Reynolds, 80, who have been long-term residents of Afghanistan, have been released by the Taliban after being held captive for almost eight months. The couple, who dedicated their lives to serving the nation, were concerned about their well-being while in prison. Their family’s relentless public campaign for their freedom has finally paid off, resulting in their release and subsequent departure from the country.
The Reynolds were detained back in February while on their way to their home in Bamyan Province, central Afghanistan. The circumstances leading to their captivity remain unclear. However, following mediation by Qatar, they have now been freed and are en route to Doha before heading to the UK.
Upon arrival at Kabul Airport, Mrs. Reynolds expressed gratitude, stating they were treated well and are eager to reunite with their children. Despite the Taliban’s control in 2021, the couple, who have been in Afghanistan for almost two decades and met at Bath University, chose to stay. Another detainee, Faye Hall, an American woman, was also released by the Taliban after eight weeks.
Having been married for around 50 years and married in the Afghan capital, the Reynolds will soon be back with their family after their ordeal. Their son, Jonathan Reynolds, previously raised concerns about their deteriorating health while in captivity, emphasizing the urgent need for their release. He described their detention without formal charges, isolation in a high-security prison, and severe health issues, including his father’s convulsions and mother’s malnutrition and anaemia.
The couple, who are Afghan citizens, will undergo medical evaluations before their return to the UK. Their transfer from Kabul’s central prison to a larger facility marked the final stage of negotiations for their release.