An American woman detained by the Taliban alongside a British couple has told the BBC they are 'literally dying' in prison and that 'time is running out'. Faye Hall was arrested with Peter, 80, and Barbie Reynolds, 76 on 1 February when returning to Bamiyan Province, Afghanistan, where the couple lived. While Ms. Hall was released after two months, Peter and Barbie remain in prison and still do not know the reason for their detention. The Foreign Office (FCDO) has stated it is supporting the family of the detained couple.
In her first interview since being released, Ms. Hall broke down in tears while expressing her love for the couple and her hope for their swift release. Peter and Barbie, who married in Kabul in 1970 and have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, ran a charity program approved by the Taliban. Ms. Hall described the arrest as traumatic, detailing their days spent being shuffled between police stations and prisons.
She warned that their health had rapidly deteriorated, with Barbie losing significant weight and unable to stand at times. Peter, who has serious health issues including a history of heart surgery, is also facing worsening conditions despite receiving medication. Ms. Hall stressed the dire circumstances, stating, 'We just have these elderly people, they're literally dying, and time is running out.'
The UN has described the couple’s detention conditions as 'inhumane', urging immediate medical assistance. As calls mount for action, the FCDO has acknowledged the limited support available for British nationals in Afghanistan since the embassy's closure after the Taliban's takeover in 2021. Ms. Hall advocates for cooperation between the U.S. and U.K. governments to ensure the couple’s release and recovery in a safer environment.
In her first interview since being released, Ms. Hall broke down in tears while expressing her love for the couple and her hope for their swift release. Peter and Barbie, who married in Kabul in 1970 and have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, ran a charity program approved by the Taliban. Ms. Hall described the arrest as traumatic, detailing their days spent being shuffled between police stations and prisons.
She warned that their health had rapidly deteriorated, with Barbie losing significant weight and unable to stand at times. Peter, who has serious health issues including a history of heart surgery, is also facing worsening conditions despite receiving medication. Ms. Hall stressed the dire circumstances, stating, 'We just have these elderly people, they're literally dying, and time is running out.'
The UN has described the couple’s detention conditions as 'inhumane', urging immediate medical assistance. As calls mount for action, the FCDO has acknowledged the limited support available for British nationals in Afghanistan since the embassy's closure after the Taliban's takeover in 2021. Ms. Hall advocates for cooperation between the U.S. and U.K. governments to ensure the couple’s release and recovery in a safer environment.
