By Tony O’Reilly
An elderly British couple detained by Taliban forces for over seven months has finally returned home. Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife, Barbie, 76, landed at London’s Heathrow Airport on Saturday, concluding a harrowing ordeal that began in February. The couple had been traveling to their home in Afghanistan’s central Bamyan province when they were taken into custody.
Their release was secured after diplomatic efforts and a court hearing. The couple was held without formal charges for the duration of their detention. According to a spokesperson for the Taliban’s foreign ministry, the pair “violated Afghan law,” although the specific offense was not detailed. Following their release, they were flown to Qatar, where they were reunited with their daughter before continuing their journey home.
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The Ordeal of the British Couple Detained by Taliban
The circumstances surrounding the detention of this British couple detained by Taliban forces remain unclear. The UK government’s special envoy to Afghanistan, Richard Lindsay, had previously stated that the reasons for their imprisonment were not specified. The incident highlights the continued risks for foreigners in the country. The UK government continues to advise against all travel to Afghanistan, a stance that has been in place for several years. More details on the government’s official position can be found at this Sky News article: Elderly British couple who were detained by Taliban arrive in UK.
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