The son of a British couple detained in Afghanistan for the last five months has voiced concerns that they may not survive their time in custody. Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, were taken into custody on February 1 while returning to their home in Bamiyan province, with the specifics of their arrest remaining unclear. Their son, Jonathan Reynolds, highlighted the rapid decline in their health, emphasizing serious convulsions experienced by his father and "numbness" in his mother due to anaemia and malnutrition.
British Couple's Health Deteriorates in Taliban Custody, Son Warns of Imminent Danger
British Couple's Health Deteriorates in Taliban Custody, Son Warns of Imminent Danger
A son fears for the lives of his parents detained by the Taliban, citing alarming health deterioration amidst harsh imprisonment conditions.
Despite Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi stating that the couple is receiving medical care and efforts for their release are ongoing, Jonathan remains skeptical about their treatment. The United Nations recently warned of potential consequences if the couple does not receive adequate medical attention immediately, labeling their detention conditions as inhumane.
Describing the five months since their arrest as "harrowing and surreal," Jonathan shared that his parents, who dedicated 18 years of their lives to educational projects in Afghanistan, have been held in severe conditions, including maximum security. They were allegedly innocent in a judicial context, forced to endure confinement in a basement for weeks without sunlight.
"Half an hour convulsing on the prison floor," Jonathan recounted regarding his father's alarming health condition, adding that his father's tremors have worsened significantly. His mother is struggling with visible symptoms of neglect, including cold extremities from lack of proper medical care.
Despite British officials' recent visit providing the family with proof of life, Jonathan expressed frustration over the lack of substantial progress towards their release. The couple recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in imprisonment, bolstering their familial bond yet underscoring the tragedy of their circumstances.
The UN has reported specific concerns regarding their continuing detainment, imploring for their immediate transfer to a civilian hospital, citing that there is "no reason" they should be held at all. Meanwhile, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office reported its limited capacity to assist due to the closure of its embassy following the return of Taliban rule in 2021.
Describing the five months since their arrest as "harrowing and surreal," Jonathan shared that his parents, who dedicated 18 years of their lives to educational projects in Afghanistan, have been held in severe conditions, including maximum security. They were allegedly innocent in a judicial context, forced to endure confinement in a basement for weeks without sunlight.
"Half an hour convulsing on the prison floor," Jonathan recounted regarding his father's alarming health condition, adding that his father's tremors have worsened significantly. His mother is struggling with visible symptoms of neglect, including cold extremities from lack of proper medical care.
Despite British officials' recent visit providing the family with proof of life, Jonathan expressed frustration over the lack of substantial progress towards their release. The couple recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in imprisonment, bolstering their familial bond yet underscoring the tragedy of their circumstances.
The UN has reported specific concerns regarding their continuing detainment, imploring for their immediate transfer to a civilian hospital, citing that there is "no reason" they should be held at all. Meanwhile, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office reported its limited capacity to assist due to the closure of its embassy following the return of Taliban rule in 2021.
