The son of a British couple detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan is calling on the United States to help secure their release, nine weeks after their arrest. Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, were taken into custody on 1 February while returning to their home in Bamiyan province, where they have lived for 18 years and run education programs.
Their son, Jonathan Reynolds, a US citizen, is urging the White House to intervene after an American detained with them, Faye Hall, was released last week. Hall was the fourth US citizen to be freed by the Taliban this year, in what the group described as a “goodwill gesture” following negotiations in Kabul.
In an emotional appeal recorded outside the White House, Jonathan said the continued detention of his parents has been “harrowing and exhausting.” He pleaded for anyone with influence including the Taliban, the British government, or the US to help. “Do it now, please,” he urged.
Despite several court appearances, Peter and Barbie Reynolds have not been formally charged. Authorities reportedly told them at every hearing that their detention was a mistake and that they were innocent. An Afghan interpreter was also arrested alongside them.
Jonathan highlighted his parents’ long-standing commitment to Afghanistan. The couple married in Kabul in 1970, became Afghan citizens, and have been deeply involved in education. Barbie Reynolds is believed to be the only woman in Afghanistan with official permission to teach men, a rare exception under Taliban rule.
“They love the country deeply,” Jonathan said, adding that while they seek freedom, his parents wish to remain in Afghanistan to continue their work. The couple is being held separately, and Peter’s health has deteriorated during detention.
The UK Foreign Office acknowledged its limited capacity to assist nationals in Afghanistan due to the closure of its embassy. While the UK government has been supportive and the US State Department’s responses encouraging, Jonathan continues to push for direct intervention, hoping for a swift resolution.
“We just want to see our parents again, to hug them and hold them,” he said.
