British Couple Arrested in Afghanistan
The couple's arrest has raised concerns about the safety of foreigners in Afghanistan, and their family is urging the international community to pressure the Taliban to release them. With the Taliban's promise to release the couple as soon as possible, the family is hoping for a positive outcome, but the situation remains uncertain.
A British couple, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, who have lived in Afghanistan for decades, were arrested by the Taliban in Bamiyan province, sparking international concern and calls for their release. The couple, both in their 70s, were taken from their home along with a Chinese-American citizen and their Afghan translator, with the reasons for their detention not disclosed.
The couple's daughter, Sarah Entwistle, has urged the UK government to secure their release, describing their detention as "outrageous". The family believes that the detention may be linked to their work teaching parenting skills to mothers over 30, which they have been doing as part of their organization, Rebuild. The organization has been providing education and training programs in Afghanistan for 18 years, and the couple has been open about their work and respect for local laws.
The Taliban has stated that it will try to release the couple as soon as possible after evaluating their situation. The UK Foreign Office is supporting the family and is urging the Taliban to release the couple. The couple's four adult children have appealed to the Taliban for their release, stating that they have chosen Afghanistan as their home and have expressed their commitment to the country.
The detention of the British couple has highlighted the challenges faced by foreigners living and working in Afghanistan under the Taliban rule. The international community is watching the situation closely, with the UN describing the Taliban's policies as "gender apartheid". The family and the UK government are hoping for a swift resolution to the situation and the safe release of Peter and Barbie Reynolds.
