File photo courtesy of BBC

 

In an emotional reunion, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, who were detained by the Taliban for nearly eight months, have been freed and reunited with their daughter in Qatar. When their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, met them as they stepped off the plane in Doha, the British couple expressed immense relief and gratitude. Their release came after Qatari mediation.

 

The couple, aged 80 and 76, had been living in Afghanistan for nearly two decades. They were detained by the Taliban on February 1 while travelling home through Kabul. The Taliban claimed they had broken Afghan laws, although specific reasons for their detention were not disclosed. After their release, the couple underwent medical checks in Doha before planning to continue their journey to the UK.

 

Sarah Entwistle shared her family's overwhelming emotions, expressing gratitude to those involved in securing her parents' release. She highlighted the efforts of Qatari mediators and the diplomatic support from the UK government, the US, and the UN. The family had been actively lobbying for the couple’s release, describing the harrowing conditions they endured during detention.

 

Peter and Barbie, who married in Kabul in 1970, had dedicated years to running a charity training program in Afghanistan. Their affinity for the country was evident in their decision to stay following the Taliban's resurgence in 2021. During detention, the couple faced challenging health conditions, with reports of serious convulsions, anaemia, and malnutrition.

 

The family's concerns were echoed by an American woman detained with them, who described the couple's deteriorating health. The Qatari government facilitated their move from Kabul's central prison to a facility with better conditions and provided medical aid and communication access.

 

The UK Foreign Office, acknowledging its limited ability to support British nationals in Afghanistan, urges against travel to the country. Despite this, efforts to secure the couple’s release were persistent, with the UK's Special Envoy to Afghanistan, Richard Lindsay, overseeing the handover.

 

UK's Middle East minister Hamish Falconer expressed relief at the couple's release and anticipated their safe reunion with family, recognising Qatar's significant role in the process.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• British nationals Peter and Barbie Reynolds, detained by the Taliban, were released through Qatari mediation.
• The couple endured severe health conditions during their eight-month detention in Afghanistan.
• The family expresses gratitude for diplomatic efforts from the UK, US, UN, and Qatar.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-09-20

 

 

Something good for a change Im delighted.

Glad they have been released. 

Glad they have been released. Please do not go back there.

Good news, now stay home and enjoy your senior years with your family.  

How much do I need in the bank for a retirement visa?