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Taliban Free British Couple Held Since February After Qatari Mediation

Qatar brokered their handover to the UK envoy in Kabul following a Taliban court hearing.

Overview

  • Peter and Barbara Reynolds, longtime residents of Afghanistan and also Afghan citizens, were released roughly eight months after their arrest in Bamiyan province.
  • The Taliban said the pair had violated Afghan law but offered no specific charges, stating a court process preceded the release.
  • The couple were delivered to UK special envoy Richard Lindsay in Kabul and flown to Doha, with Sky News showing images from the airport.
  • Family members and UN human-rights experts had warned their health was deteriorating during detention, while Qatari intermediaries helped secure medical access and family contact.
  • The Reynolds were detained alongside their American friend Faye Hall, who was freed in March, and had spent about 18 years running education projects in the country.