Humanitarian workers detained amid growing concerns
The Taliban has confirmed the arrest of a British couple in their 70s in Afghanistan following a plea from their children for their release.
The couple, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, staying even after the Taliban regained control of the country in 2021. They run Rebuild, an Afghanistan-based organization that provides education and training programs for businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit groups. According to The Sunday Times, which first reported the arrests, one of their projects focused on supporting mothers and children. The Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on women’s education and participation in society, raising concerns about the motives behind their detention.
Family urges action for their release
Sarah Entwistle, one of the couple’s four adult children, has called for a boycott of England’s ICC Champions Trophy cricket match against Afghanistan, which is set to take place in Pakistan on Tuesday. She hopes that such a move will pressure the Taliban into releasing her parents. Additionally, she has urged the British consulate to take decisive action to secure their freedom.
“Our parents have always sought to honor the Taliban, so we wanted to allow them to explain their reasons for this detention,” Entwistle told Times Radio. “However, after more than three weeks of silence, we can no longer wait.”
The circumstances surrounding the couple’s arrest remain unclear, and their family, as well as international observers, continue to push for answers and intervention.
