British couple ‘dying’ in Afghan prison, says freed detainee
An American woman released after Taliban detention warns that time is running out for the elderly British couple still held in Afghanistan's harsh prison conditions.
An American national detained by the Taliban alongside a British couple has warned they are “literally dying” in prison and that urgent action is needed.
Faye Hall was arrested on 1 February in Bamiyan Province, Afghanistan, with Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76. After two months in custody, Ms Hall was released in April, but the Reynolds remain imprisoned without clear charges despite several court hearings.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed it is supporting the couple’s family.
In her first interview since release, Ms Hall described the Reynolds’ dire health. Barbie has lost significant weight, at one point unable to stand, while Peter’s condition worsens despite daily medication provided by Qatar following heart surgery and cancer treatment.
“Every day you don’t know where you’ll be tomorrow. It’s not a healthy environment and we were the only foreigners there,” she said, recalling cramped cells in a maximum-security prison surrounded by barbed wire and armed guards.
The Reynolds, married in Kabul in 1970, held Afghan citizenship and ran a charity approved by the Taliban after their 2021 takeover. Their son has warned they risk dying in custody due to convulsions, anaemia and malnutrition.
The United Nations has described their detention as “inhumane” and called for immediate medical care. Both the US and UK governments have urged the Taliban to end “hostage diplomacy” and free all detainees.
The Taliban foreign minister says the couple remains in contact with family and has access to treatment while efforts to secure their release continue.
“We just have these elderly people—they're literally dying, and time is running out,” warned the former detainee.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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