Taliban Frees British Couple Detained for Extended Period on Unknown Accusations
In a relief for their family and friends, British couple Peter and Barbie Reynolds, aged 80 and 75 respectively, were released from Afghan custody on Friday. The couple, who had been living in Afghanistan for 18 years and ran an education and training organization in the central province of Bamiyan, were handed over to Richard Lindsay, the U.K.'s special envoy for Afghanistan.
Their release followed a court hearing in Afghanistan, where they were accused of violating Afghan laws. The Taliban spokesperson, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, acknowledged the couple's release, thanking Qatar for its 'sincere efforts and mediation' in the case.
Qatar had mediated the release of the Reynolds, who were detained in July, after the Taliban released U.S. citizen George Glezmann, abducted while traveling through Afghanistan as a tourist. Qatar's role in the mediation came after it had previously mediated talks between the U.S. and the Taliban.
The U.K. had worked intensively since the Reynolds' detention and supported the family throughout. The U.K.'s Foreign Office Minister, Hamish Falconer, expressed relief about the end of Peter and Barbie Reynolds' ordeal. However, Falconer warned that the U.K.'s ability to help those in need of consular support in Afghanistan is extremely limited.
The U.K.'s travel advice is clear that individuals should not travel to Afghanistan. In July, United Nations human rights experts had warned that the Reynolds' physical and mental health was deteriorating rapidly and they were at risk of irreparable harm or even death. The Reynolds' family members in the United Kingdom had repeatedly called for their release, claiming they were being mistreated and held on undisclosed charges.
The news of the Reynolds' release comes after the Taliban reached an agreement with U.S. envoys on a prisoner exchange as part of an effort to normalize relations. However, the UN Security Council voted against lifting Iran 'snapback' sanctions ahead of the deadline.
As Peter and Barbie Reynolds leave Afghanistan, they do so with a sense of relief and gratitude for the efforts made to secure their release. Their case serves as a reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by those living and working in Afghanistan, and the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving such situations.
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