Health Concerns Rise for British Couple Detained by Taliban Amid Court Delays
Family fears for the well-being of Peter and Barbie Reynolds as trial proceedings are postponed in Afghanistan.
LONDON: Growing concerns regarding the health of a British couple detained in Afghanistan emerge as their trial faces unexpected delays.
Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, were arrested in February during their travel to Bamyan Province, where they have resided for over 18 years and have since become Afghan citizens.
On Saturday, the couple was presented in chains at a Kabul court; however, they were informed at the last minute of a change in judges, leading to further postponement of their trial.
Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, described the conditions in a maximum-security prison as ‘brutal,’ indicating a dire environment for the detainees.
Entwistle shared that her mother's health is declining rapidly due to malnutrition, citing that the women are provided only one meal a day, unlike the men who receive three.
She also reflected on her father's deteriorating condition, noting the presence of tremors and declining overall health.
The couple's recent court experience involved them sitting on the floor for four hours, chained to other prisoners, before being informed they would not be seen by the judge.
Entwistle remarked that their hope lies in the hope for a different judge handling their case to provide a fair hearing soon.
The journey to the courtroom proved challenging for Mrs. Reynolds, who struggled to ascend the four staircases.
Entwistle emphasized that no charges have been formally laid against her parents, nor has any evidence of wrongdoing been presented.
Despite the Taliban previously asserting that their detainment stemmed from misunderstandings and indicating a potential release, the delay in proceedings has left the family distressed.
The couple has lived in Afghanistan since marrying in 1970, opting to remain in the country amid the 2021 Taliban takeover out of love for the nation and its people.
They were arrested alongside an American companion, Faye Hall, and their Afghan translator, Juya.
Reports suggest Mr. Reynolds has endured physical abuse while in custody, resulting in significant health issues, including a chest infection, a double eye infection, and serious digestive problems attributed to inadequate nutrition.
Entwistle has expressed urgent concerns about his access to necessary medical treatment, calling the situation life-threatening.
In an appeal for compassion, she has urged the Taliban to release her parents and their companions as a goodwill gesture during Ramadan.
Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, were arrested in February during their travel to Bamyan Province, where they have resided for over 18 years and have since become Afghan citizens.
On Saturday, the couple was presented in chains at a Kabul court; however, they were informed at the last minute of a change in judges, leading to further postponement of their trial.
Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, described the conditions in a maximum-security prison as ‘brutal,’ indicating a dire environment for the detainees.
Entwistle shared that her mother's health is declining rapidly due to malnutrition, citing that the women are provided only one meal a day, unlike the men who receive three.
She also reflected on her father's deteriorating condition, noting the presence of tremors and declining overall health.
The couple's recent court experience involved them sitting on the floor for four hours, chained to other prisoners, before being informed they would not be seen by the judge.
Entwistle remarked that their hope lies in the hope for a different judge handling their case to provide a fair hearing soon.
The journey to the courtroom proved challenging for Mrs. Reynolds, who struggled to ascend the four staircases.
Entwistle emphasized that no charges have been formally laid against her parents, nor has any evidence of wrongdoing been presented.
Despite the Taliban previously asserting that their detainment stemmed from misunderstandings and indicating a potential release, the delay in proceedings has left the family distressed.
The couple has lived in Afghanistan since marrying in 1970, opting to remain in the country amid the 2021 Taliban takeover out of love for the nation and its people.
They were arrested alongside an American companion, Faye Hall, and their Afghan translator, Juya.
Reports suggest Mr. Reynolds has endured physical abuse while in custody, resulting in significant health issues, including a chest infection, a double eye infection, and serious digestive problems attributed to inadequate nutrition.
Entwistle has expressed urgent concerns about his access to necessary medical treatment, calling the situation life-threatening.
In an appeal for compassion, she has urged the Taliban to release her parents and their companions as a goodwill gesture during Ramadan.
