A British couple released by the Taliban in Afghanistan last week say they were detained in 10 different prisons and at one point thought they would be executed.
Peter, 80, and wife Barbie Reynolds, 76, said it was never explained to them why they were being held, nor why they were released.
The couple, who have run a charity programme in Afghanistan for almost two decades, arrived back in the UK on Saturday after seven and a half months in detention.
Good, old-fashioned diplomacy ended their ordeal, Hamish Falconer, minister for the Middle East, told the BBC, and again thanked the government of Qatar, which helped mediate their release.
Both suffered health problems while in prison, including severe anaemia. Taliban officials maintained they received adequate medical care during their detention and that their human rights were respected.
They were arrested on 1 February this year after taking a chartered flight from Kabul to Bamiyan province, along with friend Faye Hall and their translator who were later released.
A spokesperson for the Taliban foreign ministry, speaking after their release, said they had served their time but did not reveal the reasons for their detention.
According to Peter Reynolds, they felt a huge powerlessness during their time in captivity, being treated with respect at times but also witnessing the harsh realities of their situation.
Back in the UK, Barbie expressed longing for simple comforts, such as salad and marmite, while Peter missed baked beans. Both confirmed they would not return to Afghanistan for now, emphasizing confidence in the Afghans they left behind to shape a positive future.
The UK Foreign Office warns against all travel to Afghanistan, citing heightened risks of detention, particularly for British nationals.
