A British couple detained in Afghanistan for eight months have been released, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed.
Barbie Reynolds, 76, and her husband Peter Reynolds, 80, were freed by the Taliban authorities after being held without charge since February. The couple, who have lived in Afghanistan for nearly 20 years, were arrested while travelling to their home in Bamyan province, in the central region of the country.
During their detention, the pair were separated for a significant period and placed in a maximum-security prison. No formal charges were brought against them.
The Reynoldses first moved to Afghanistan in the early 2000s and established a training and education organisation, which they continued to run despite the country’s volatile security situation. Following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, they chose to remain in Afghanistan, citing their commitment to the local community.
In July, their son Jonathan Reynolds, who lives in Chicago, told The Guardian that his parents’ health was deteriorating in custody and expressed fears they might not survive imprisonment. He said the couple had been aware of the risks of staying in the country after the Taliban takeover.
“They said: ‘How could we possibly leave these people we love in their darkest hour?’ But the warning was, if you stay, you’re on your own,” Jonathan explained at the time. “They knew full well that something like this could happen.”
Jonathan also revealed that his parents had made clear their wishes in the event of detention. “They have always said: ‘If this does happen, don’t trade us for some terrorist who’s in prison, and don’t pay a penny in ransom money.’ But they never told us what they did want us to do, which has been really, really difficult,” he said.
The couple’s detention drew concern from family members spread across the UK and the United States. Between them, Barbie and Peter have five children, 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The FCDO said it had been providing consular support to the family throughout the ordeal. A spokesperson confirmed the release but did not provide details of the negotiations or circumstances leading to their freedom. “We welcome the release of two British nationals who had been detained in Afghanistan. Our staff have been in close contact with their family and will continue to offer support,” the statement read.
The Taliban authorities have not issued a public statement on the case. It remains unclear why the couple were detained or why they were released at this time.
The incident highlights the risks faced by foreign nationals who choose to remain in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Since August 2021, several foreign citizens have been detained, often without formal charges, prompting warnings from Western governments about travel to the country.
The Reynoldses are expected to leave Afghanistan in the coming days. Their family has expressed relief at their release, though concerns remain about their health after months in detention.
The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Afghanistan, citing the risk of detention, violence and limited consular assistance.
