British couple freed by Taliban hug daughter in emotional reunion

 

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, a British couple in their seventies, have been released from Taliban detention after almost eight months and reunited with their daughter in Qatar. The pair, who had lived in Afghanistan for nearly two decades, were detained on 1 February while preparing to travel home. They were freed on Friday following Qatari mediation and greeted their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, in Doha with emotional hugs before undergoing medical checks. They are expected to return to the UK soon, despite their long-standing home being in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan province.

The Taliban said the couple had broken Afghan laws, though no details were disclosed. Family members described the release as a moment of “immense joy and relief,” praising the efforts of Qatar, the UK government, the UN, and the US. Their detention had drawn international concern due to serious health issues: Peter suffered convulsions and a mini-stroke, while Barbie experienced anaemia and malnutrition. Relatives had previously warned that without medical care, both were at risk of irreparable harm.

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The Reynolds have deep ties to Afghanistan, having married in Kabul in 1970 and later running a charitable training programme for 18 years. Despite many Westerners leaving after the Taliban regained control in 2021, they chose to remain, reflecting their long-standing commitment to the country. Their family described detention conditions as harsh, including six weeks in a basement without sunlight. Campaigners had repeatedly urged international intervention, warning the couple were “literally dying” in prison.

Qatari officials said they helped provide the couple with medication, medical access, and contact with family during negotiations. The pair were later moved to a larger facility with improved conditions. On Friday, they were handed over to the UK’s Special Envoy to Afghanistan, Richard Lindsay, and flown to Doha. UK Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer expressed relief at their release, thanking Qatar for its key role in securing their freedom. Although the UK does not recognise the Taliban government and has limited consular support in Afghanistan, officials worked intensively to assist. The family now looks forward to the couple’s recovery and reunion in the UK.

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