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Taliban Frees British Couple Peter and Barbie Reynolds After Qatari Mediation

Qatar’s months-long mediation secured their freedom with medical access provided during custody.

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Qatari and British diplomats with Barbie and Peter Reynolds as they prepare to depart Kabul to Doha on September 19.
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Overview

  • Peter, 80, and Barbie Reynolds, 76, were released on Sept. 19, handed to UK envoy Richard Lindsay in Kabul, and flown to Doha for medical checks before onward travel.
  • Qatar negotiated the outcome over several months and its Kabul embassy arranged access to doctors, delivered medication, and facilitated family communication.
  • The Taliban said the pair had violated Afghan laws but gave no specifics after months of detention without public charges and multiple delayed court appearances.
  • The couple were arrested on Feb. 1 while traveling to their home in Bamyan after about 18 years in Afghanistan running the Rebuild education and training organization.
  • Family members and UN experts warned their health was deteriorating; upon departure the couple voiced gratitude and said they hoped to return "if we can."