Children of Elderly British Couple Held by Taliban Urge Immediate Release

Kokcha News Agency: The children of Barby and Peter Reynolds, an elderly British couple detained by the Taliban since February, have once again called for their parents’ immediate release. The couple, who have been living and working in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, for 18 years, were arrested while returning to their home in the province.

Health Concerns for the Couple

According to a report by The Guardian on Sunday, July 29, a cardiologist has remotely examined the couple, revealing serious health concerns. The children fear that Peter Reynolds, 80, may have suffered a silent stroke or heart attack, while Barby Reynolds, 76, is struggling with numbness in her legs due to anemia.

Plea for Immediate Release

The couple’s children, who live in the United States and United Kingdom, issued an urgent plea to the Taliban:
🔹 “This is another urgent request to the Taliban to release our parents before it is too late and they die in detention.”
🔹 “They have dedicated their lives to the people of Afghanistan over the past 18 years.”

Efforts to Secure Their Release

The children have written at least two letters to the Taliban leadership and have publicly called for their parents’ release on multiple occasions. Despite these efforts, the Taliban has yet to provide a reason for the couple’s detention, which has now lasted over five months.

Background on the Couple

Barby and Peter Reynolds have been working in education in Bamiyan for nearly two decades, contributing significantly to the local community. Their detention has raised concerns about the safety and welfare of foreign nationals in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.