A British couple detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nearly six months are facing life-threatening health conditions, their son has warned. Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, were arrested on February 1 while returning to their home in Bamiyan province, where they had lived for 18 years and held Afghan citizenship.
Their son, Jonathan Reynolds, told the BBC that the couple’s health has rapidly declined in prison. Peter has reportedly suffered from severe convulsions and now shows symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, while Barbie is said to be numb from anaemia and malnutrition. Both are being held in harsh conditions despite facing no formal charges.
“They’ve been kept in maximum-security conditions, even chained with criminals,” Jonathan said. “At one point, they were held in a basement for six weeks with no sunlight.”
The couple had devoted their lives to educational projects in Afghanistan, including training for women and children. One of the projects was approved by local authorities, even though the Taliban has banned education for girls over 12 and restricted women’s work.
Jonathan said his father’s health is “deteriorating fast,” citing a history of minor heart attacks. “He convulsed for half an hour on the prison floor before a guard moved him onto a thin mattress,” he recalled. Barbie, meanwhile, has visible signs of poor circulation, including blue hands and feet, due to lack of proper healthcare.
The United Nations has also raised alarm over their condition. “Without access to adequate medical care, they are at risk of irreparable harm or even death,” the UN said, calling the couple’s detention “inhumane” and urging their immediate transfer to a civilian hospital.
Despite being deemed innocent by a judge, the couple remains in custody. Their son says promises of release have repeatedly gone unfulfilled.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) says it is in contact with the family but notes that its capacity to assist British nationals in Afghanistan is severely limited since the 2021 embassy closure.
Peter and Barbie recently spent their birthdays and 55th wedding anniversary behind bars. Jonathan says, “I’m thankful they’re together, but they’re certainly not free.”
