An elderly couple from the UK who had been held captive in Afghanistan by the Taliban for almost eight months has been released. Barbie Reynolds, 76, and her husband Peter, 80, who have been long-time residents of Afghanistan, were finally freed after their family tirelessly campaigned for their release. The couple, who were detained in February while traveling to their home in Bamyan Province, were uncertain about their fate but have now been released and are en route to Doha, Qatar.
Upon their release, the couple expressed gratitude for the efforts made on their behalf and mentioned that they had been treated well during their captivity. They also stated their desire to reunite with their children and potentially return to Afghanistan, as they consider themselves Afghan citizens.
A Qatari official involved in the case disclosed that Barbie and Peter, who have lived in Afghanistan for nearly twenty years, will undergo medical examinations before continuing their journey to the UK. The couple was relocated from Kabul’s central prison to a larger facility as part of the negotiation process.
Despite the Taliban’s control in 2021, Barbie and Peter, who met at Bath University, chose to remain in Afghanistan. Another individual, Faye Hall, who was detained with them, was released after eight weeks. The couple, who have been married for around 50 years since tying the knot in Kabul, are set to be reunited with their family soon.
In a desperate plea back in July, their son Jonathan Reynolds highlighted the deteriorating health of his parents and emphasized the urgency of their situation. He revealed that his father experienced severe convulsions while in captivity, and his mother suffered from malnutrition and anaemia. The lack of natural sunlight and outdoor access in the maximum security prison further exacerbated their declining health condition.
The Reynolds’ family’s relentless efforts have finally led to the release of Barbie and Peter, bringing hope for a brighter future ahead.
