The son of a British couple detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nearly eight months has expressed his overwhelming joy at their release. Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, are due to fly back to the UK after a heartfelt reunion with their daughter in Qatar.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today program, their son Jonathan Reynolds said he was 'ecstatic and massively grateful' to everyone involved in securing his parents' release from Taliban custody. They had been detained since February 1, with the Taliban claiming the couple had violated Afghan laws, although specifics were never disclosed.
On Friday, emotional scenes unfolded as the couple's daughter, Sarah Entwistle, embraced her parents as they disembarked in Doha. Barbie expressed her continued love for Afghanistan, stating, 'We are looking forward to returning to Afghanistan if we can. We are Afghan citizens.'
Jonathan echoed this sentiment, highlighting his parents' desire to return and continue their charitable work, as they have lived in Afghanistan for nearly two decades.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged Qatar's essential role in facilitating the couple's release. Despite the uncertain political climate following the Taliban's return to power, the couple chose to remain in Afghanistan after many Westerners fled in August 2021, demonstrating their commitment to the local people.
After months of advocacy by their family, who shared the harsh conditions of their detention—Jonathan noted serious health issues faced by both parents—the couple was ultimately moved to a facility with better conditions during the final stages of negotiations. Although the Taliban maintained that they received adequate medical care, reports indicated troubling health issues due to their imprisonment.
The couple's return flight to London is scheduled for Saturday morning. However, the UK government's position on the Taliban remains critical, advising against travel to Afghanistan and stating that support for British nationals in the country is 'severely limited.'
