An elderly British couple, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, has finally returned to the UK after spending nearly eight months in Taliban detention in Afghanistan. The 80-year-old husband and 76-year-old wife were released from prison on September 19, 2025, and flew to London via Doha, Qatar, where they underwent medical checks. Their release was facilitated by diplomatic efforts led by Qatar, with support from the UK government and appeals from the United Nations and their family.
The couple, who have lived in Afghanistan for almost two decades, running educational programs for women and children, were detained by the Taliban in February 2025 on undisclosed charges. The Taliban claimed they had “violated Afghan law,” but no specific charges were ever made public. During their detention, Peter and Barbie’s health deteriorated, prompting repeated pleas from their family and UN human rights experts for their release.
Upon their return to the UK, the couple was greeted by their family, including their daughter Sarah Entwhistle, who was waiting for them at Heathrow Airport. The Reynolds family expressed immense joy and gratitude towards the Qatari leadership, the UK government, and the UN experts who played a crucial role in securing their release. Peter and Barbie’s story highlights the risks faced by foreign nationals in Afghanistan and the importance of diplomatic efforts in securing their release.
In a statement, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the news of their release, paying tribute to Qatar’s vital role in the negotiations. The couple’s return brings relief to their family, but questions remain about the circumstances of their detention and the fate of other foreign nationals still held in Afghanistan.
