An elderly British couple held by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nearly eight months has been released through Qatari mediation and returned to the United Kingdom.
Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife, Barbie Reynolds, 76, arrived in London on Saturday, September 20, after undergoing medical examinations in Doha before boarding a flight from Qatar.
In a joint statement, the couple’s children described their release as “a joyful day and a great relief” for the family.
According to reports, the Reynolds, who had lived in Afghanistan for decades and launched educational programs for women and children, chose to remain in the country even after the Taliban regained power despite warnings from the British Embassy.
The Taliban have not provided a clear explanation for the couple’s detention. However, on Friday, the group’s foreign ministry stated that the couple had “violated the laws” and were released after judicial proceedings were completed.
