Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, are currently detained in Afghanistan following their arrest while travelling to their home in Bamyan province in February. The couple, along with American friend Faye Hall, who had rented a plane for the trip, and a translator associated with their Rebuild training business, were apprehended under circumstances that have not yet been fully clarified.
Their daughter, Susie Romer, has publicly stated that her parents have been subjected to significant stress during their detention, undergoing approximately 29 interrogations. Speaking to Channel 5’s 5 News, Ms Romer expressed her frustration regarding their situation, stating, “They’ve been through so many investigations,” mentioning that the allegations against them have been described as unsubstantiated. “So they’ve been told that there is not actually a charge against them.”
Romer expressed concern about the UK government's efforts in securing their release, stating, “We do want the Government to make it clear to the Taliban that my parents should be immediately released.” Despite a meeting with Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer, who classified the case as a “priority,” she voiced doubts that the message had effectively reached the Taliban. “It’s been 10 weeks now, and we’ve not been reassured that this message has been conveyed, but this is really urgent,” she added.
Describing the conditions of their imprisonment as "absolutely horrific," Ms Romer highlighted alarming details including limited food supply, with reports of only one meal provided daily, and unhygienic conditions featuring mice and cockroaches. The emotional toll of their situation is also evident, as she recounted hearing “her parents weep” on the phone, a moment she described as “excruciating.”
In discussions about their health, Ms Romer revealed that while her father had received necessary medication, her mother is facing more pressing health issues. “We’ve recently heard mum is anaemic and really weak and frail,” she stated, articulating her fears for both their well-being.
The couple's son, Jonathan Reynolds, has also been vocal about the situation, mentioning his communications with the US government following a video plea directed at President Donald Trump for assistance. The Reynolds’ connection to Afghanistan dates back to their marriage in Kabul in 1970, and they have dedicated the last 18 years to running training programmes aimed at education.
Following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, strict measures such as bans on women working and barring education for girls over 12 years old were enacted. In a statement to The Associated Press, a Taliban spokesperson indicated that the situation surrounding the Reynolds couple “will soon be resolved” and insisted it should not be a cause for concern.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed its support for the family of the detained British nationals, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts are in motion to address the situation.
Source: Noah Wire Services