British Couple Freed by Taliban After Prolonged Detention
The British couple, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, were released by the Taliban after being detained for over seven months. Their detention raised international concerns about the Taliban's actions since taking power. Qatar facilitated their release, signaling efforts towards international recognition of the Taliban regime.
- Country:
- United Arab Emirates
The Taliban has released Peter and Barbie Reynolds, a British couple detained for more than seven months on undisclosed charges, an official confirmed Friday. This move, part of a broader strategy to gain international recognition, highlighted ongoing global anxieties about Taliban governance post their 2021 takeover of Afghanistan.
The couple, aged 80 and 75, had lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, operating an education and training organization in Bamiyan province. They decided to stay after the Taliban's rise to power. The Reynolds' detention prompted their family in the UK to repeatedly call for their release, alleging mistreatment and a lack of transparency regarding the charges.
Qatar, who played a pivotal role in US-Taliban negotiations prior to the American withdrawal, facilitated their release. Concerns from UN human rights experts about the couple's health amplified pressure on the Taliban, stressing the potential risks to their well-being. However, the Taliban denied any allegations of abuse or mistreatment.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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