A British couple in their seventies has been arrested by Taliban authorities in Afghanistan, prompting their family to call on the UK government for urgent intervention.
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Peter and Barbie Reynolds, who have been involved in education initiatives in Afghanistan for nearly two decades, were taken into custody on February 1. Their children initially refrained from involving UK officials, hoping for direct communication with the Taliban regarding the reason for the arrest.
Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, said the family had waited for an explanation but had received no response. She stated that her parents had always shown respect for the Taliban, and the family had hoped to understand the reason for their detention. However, after weeks of silence, they decided to call on British diplomats to take action.
Entwistle explained that her parents’ detention appears to be linked to their work in teaching parenting skills to mothers. She expressed concern over their well-being, particularly for Peter Reynolds, who requires heart medication after a recent mini-stroke.
The couple, who married in Kabul in 1970, remained in Afghanistan even after the Taliban reclaimed power in 2021, choosing to continue their work despite the withdrawal of British embassy staff.
In an open letter, the family pleaded for their parents’ release, highlighting their long-standing commitment to the country. Neither the Taliban administration nor the British Foreign Office has commented on the arrests.
Since retaking control, the Taliban have imposed strict measures, particularly against women and girls, barring them from education beyond age 12 and restricting their presence in public life-policies widely condemned by international organizations.
