Taliban Detain British Couple in Afghanistan for Educating Women
Peter and Barbie Reynolds, who have lived in Afghanistan for nearly two decades, were arrested while conducting a project for mothers and children.
The Taliban have detained British nationals Peter (79) and Barbie (75) Reynolds, who have resided in Afghanistan for nearly twenty years.
The couple remained in the country following the Taliban's takeover in August 2021, where they had been involved in various educational initiatives.
The Reynolds were arrested on February 1 during a project in Bamiyan, one of the largest cities in central Afghanistan, aimed at providing training for women with children.
Since the Taliban's return to power, they have implemented restrictions prohibiting women from working and studying beyond basic education, although local authorities in Bamiyan appeared to approve the Reynolds' initiative.
In the initial three days after their arrest, the couple maintained contact with their children via text messages, informing them that they were being held by the Afghan police and that they were in good health.
However, subsequent messages ceased.
Authorities conducted a search of the Reynolds' residence, and staff members at their education center were interrogated regarding allegations of religious proselytism, which the couple has denied.
Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, currently residing in Britain, has expressed concern for her parents, particularly regarding her father's health, which has been affected by a previous stroke.
"My mother is 75 years old, and my father is nearly 80. He requires medication following his stroke," Sarah stated.
She emphasized that her parents were only attempting to assist a country they love, calling their detention for teaching women with children "unprecedented."
Along with her three siblings, Sarah has penned an open letter to the Taliban leadership, urging them to release their parents and underscoring that the Reynolds operated within legal frameworks and with appropriate permissions.
The Reynolds met at the University of Bath and married in Kabul in 1970, having developed a deep affection for Afghanistan.
Barbie was notably recognized as the first woman to receive a commendation from the Taliban, and both hold dual British and Afghan citizenship.
The couple remained in the country following the Taliban's takeover in August 2021, where they had been involved in various educational initiatives.
The Reynolds were arrested on February 1 during a project in Bamiyan, one of the largest cities in central Afghanistan, aimed at providing training for women with children.
Since the Taliban's return to power, they have implemented restrictions prohibiting women from working and studying beyond basic education, although local authorities in Bamiyan appeared to approve the Reynolds' initiative.
In the initial three days after their arrest, the couple maintained contact with their children via text messages, informing them that they were being held by the Afghan police and that they were in good health.
However, subsequent messages ceased.
Authorities conducted a search of the Reynolds' residence, and staff members at their education center were interrogated regarding allegations of religious proselytism, which the couple has denied.
Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, currently residing in Britain, has expressed concern for her parents, particularly regarding her father's health, which has been affected by a previous stroke.
"My mother is 75 years old, and my father is nearly 80. He requires medication following his stroke," Sarah stated.
She emphasized that her parents were only attempting to assist a country they love, calling their detention for teaching women with children "unprecedented."
Along with her three siblings, Sarah has penned an open letter to the Taliban leadership, urging them to release their parents and underscoring that the Reynolds operated within legal frameworks and with appropriate permissions.
The Reynolds met at the University of Bath and married in Kabul in 1970, having developed a deep affection for Afghanistan.
Barbie was notably recognized as the first woman to receive a commendation from the Taliban, and both hold dual British and Afghan citizenship.
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