The daughter of an elderly British couple expresses concern for her father’s well-being following their arrest and imprisonment by the Taliban. Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, who operate a training business in Afghanistan, were detained in Bamiyan province.
Their scheduled court appearance was postponed at the last minute to assign a new judge, leaving their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, anxious about their situation. She described the conditions of their confinement as harsh and comparable to a nightmarish scenario.
Previously, Mrs. Reynolds, 75, managed to contact her family from Pul-e-Charki prison in Kabul to inform them about the upcoming trial, revealing their lack of information regarding the charges against them.
The couple has been involved in educational projects in Afghanistan for nearly two decades, focusing on initiatives for mothers and children in Bamiyan. Despite their work being endorsed by local authorities, challenges arose after the Taliban’s recent restrictions on women’s employment and education.
Sarah Entwistle voiced concerns about the fairness of the trial, especially due to the absence of their interpreter, Juya, who is also scheduled to appear in court and is prohibited from translating during the proceedings.
She emphasized the critical condition of her father’s health, stating that without access to necessary medication, his life is at risk. She urged the Taliban to release her parents, along with Faye and the interpreter, as a goodwill gesture during Ramadan.
The couple, along with their companions, was taken into custody on February 1, following a misunderstanding related to their travel arrangements. They have been enduring harsh treatment in prison, with limited food provisions and deteriorating health conditions.
Sarah Entwistle recounted the distressing experience of her parents during their court appointment, where they were left chained to other prisoners for hours before being returned to their cell. She remains hopeful that they will receive a fair hearing in the upcoming week under the supervision of a new judge.