British couple freed after months in Taliban prison

The family of a British couple who have been detained by the Taliban nearly eight months ago says they were “drowning with gratitude and relief” in the couple’s issuance.

Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife, Barbie, 76, who lived in Afghanistan nearly two decades ago, was on their way home when they were stopped on February 1.

The couple was released on Friday morning through the Qatari mediation. Qatari official said they would fly to Qatar for medical examinations before traveling to the United Kingdom, although they were their long -term home in Bamian Province in Afghanistan.

The Taliban said that the husband had broken the Afghan laws and was released after judicial procedures – but he did not reveal the reason for their detention.

Their family said it was “a moment of tremendous joy,” adding in a statement that they were “very thankful to everyone who played a role in securing his release.”

They said: “This experience reminded us of the strength of diplomacy, sympathy and international cooperation.”

“While the way of recovery will be as long as our parents recover their health and spend time with their families, today is a day of joy and tremendous comfort.”

The family has especially praised the “fixed support” of Qatari brokers, as well as the diplomatic efforts of the UK government and the support of the United States and the United Nations.

Peter and Paribi Reynolds married Kabul in 1970 and spent the past 18 years in managing a charity training program that was approved by local Taliban officials when the armed group regained strength in 2021.

The family described them as having a lifelong love for Afghanistan, as they were described as their decision to stay there after controlling the authoritarian regime in August 2021, when many other Westerners left.

Their launch follows months of public pressure by their families, who described the horrific conditions of their detention.

The son of the couple, Jonathan Reynolds, said in July that his father was suffering from serious cramps and that his mother was “numb” from anemia and malnutrition.

He said at the time: “My father was bound by killing and criminals,” adding that they were detained at some point in the basement for six weeks without sunlight.

In response to the news of their release on Friday, Mr. Reynolds told BBC Breakfast: “I can’t wait to put my arms around them and give them a hug.”

Sarah Eintuetel, her daughter, said, previously, her father suffered a mini -stroke, while the United Nations warned that without medical care, the couple was at risk of irreparable harm.

Just six days ago, an American woman was detained with them and then released later BBC said They were “literally dying” in prison and that “time is running out.”

Fi Hall, who was left for two months in her arrest, highlighted that the health of the elderly couple has deteriorated quickly while she was in prison.

Qatari official told the BBC that the spouses were transferred from Kabul Central Prison to a larger facility with better conditions during the final stage of negotiations on their release.

The official also said that the Qatari embassy in Kabul had provided them with medications, and to reach the doctor and the means of communication with their families during the prison.

Taliban officials confirmed that they had received sufficient medical care in prison and respect for their human rights.

The UK does not recognize the Taliban government and closed its embassy in Kabul when the group returned to power.

The Foreign Ministry says that the support of British citizens in Afghanistan is “very limited” and provides advice against all travel to the country.

A Taliban official said that Peter and Paribi Reynolds had been handed over to the UK special envoy to Afghanistan, Richard Lindsay, who was photographed with the couple on their trip to Qatar.

The UK Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer said he was relieved because the husband was now released, adding: “I look forward to their reunification with their family soon.”

He said that the UK “worked extensively” to secure its release, while Qatar played “a key role in this case, and I am very grateful.”