Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Taliban Free Elderly British Couple After Eight Months in Custody

Qatar brokered their release following a Taliban court hearing, with officials giving no detailed charges.

Overview

  • UK authorities confirmed Peter and Barbara Reynolds were released and departed Kabul for Doha after roughly eight months in detention.
  • The Taliban said the pair had violated Afghan law but offered no specifics, stating only that a court hearing preceded the release.
  • Qatari intermediaries mediated the case and, according to Reuters, helped ensure medical care and regular family contact during custody.
  • The couple were handed to British special envoy Richard Lindsay at Kabul airport, with Sky News airing images before their flight to Qatar.
  • Relatives had alleged mistreatment and UN experts warned in July of deteriorating health; the couple had lived in Afghanistan for about 18 years working on education projects.