A British couple in their 70s, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, have been arrested by the Taliban in Afghanistan, according to the ITV.
The couple, who have been living and working in the country for nearly two decades, were detained earlier this month while preparing to return home. The reasons for their arrest remain unclear.
Peter, 79, and Barbie, 75, have been involved in educational training projects in Afghanistan through their organisation, Rebuild Consultancy. They have been teaching young mothers and children, despite the Taliban’s ban on education for girls over the age of 12.
The couple, who married in Kabul in 1970, became official Afghan citizens and have remained in the country even after the Taliban regained control in 2021. In a letter addressed to the Taliban, the couple’s four children expressed confusion over their parents’ arrest and appealed for their release.
We do not understand the reasons behind their arrest. They have communicated their trust in you, and that as Afghan citizens they will be treated well.
The family emphasised their parents’ long-standing commitment to Afghanistan.
Our parents have consistently expressed their commitment to Afghanistan, stating that they would rather sacrifice their lives than become part of ransom negotiations or be traded.
According to an employee of Rebuild Consultancy, the couple was arrested alongside a US friend, Faye Hall, who had rented a plane to travel with them, and a translator from their training business.
The family has reportedly requested that the UK government not intervene in the case, preferring to handle the matter directly with the Taliban. However, the Foreign Office has confirmed it is aware of the detention of two British nationals in Afghanistan and has been in touch with the family.
The Reynolds’ arrest has drawn attention to the challenges faced by foreign nationals and aid workers in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
