The kids of Peter and Barbie Reynolds, a UK couple imprisoned in Afghanistan, are testifying on their parents’ behalf. They have issued a dire call for their mothers’ freedom. Peter and Barbie have suffered more than seven-and-a-half months of incarceration without charge. This recurring predicament pits the interests of cash-strapped municipalities against the health and safety of communities. The couple spent 18 years caretaking the Afghan people. Today, they’re apart and imprisoned in a maximum-security jail.
Peter and Barbie were initially imprisoned at the Pul-e-Charkhi prison in Kabul before being moved two months ago. Their kids are beneficiaries, living in the US and UK. They are concerned for Peter’s health after a recent virtual medical examination revealed that he may have had a stroke or silent heart attack. As for Barbie, she has been suffering with chronic foot numbness, a condition associated with anaemia.
Nevertheless, this week was a momentous occasion for the deeply-in-love couple. It was their 55th wedding anniversary — spent in custody. Their children, who have maintained a media blackout for the past two months, want to honor the Taliban and trust the process with regards to their parents’ case.
We asked Sarah Entwistle, one of the couple’s four adult children, to reflect on the painful decision to remain quiet. Yet for her, this difficult moment has only enriched that decision.
“For the past two months, we have maintained a media blackout, hoping to demonstrate our intention to show respect to the Taliban, and ‘trust the process’.” – Sarah Entwistle
After watching the once-healthy Peter and Barbie suffering from poor health, their children felt the need to make their case again. They are telling us that they are afraid, A, for their parents’ lives and, B, should they stay in detention any longer.
“This is another urgent plea to the Taliban to release our parents before it is too late and they die in their custody.” – The Reynolds’s children
Peter and Barbie’s case is indicative of the harsh conditions experienced by foreign nationals detained by the Taliban. The couple’s uncertain fate still hangs over them every day. Their family has made it their mission to bring awareness to their fight and encourage others to act.