A British couple in their seventies have been detained by the Taliban whilst running educational projects in Afghanistan.
Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, were arrested on February 1 as they were returning to their home.
The couple, who first met at Bath University, have spent the past 18 years operating training programmes in Afghanistan, choosing to remain in the country even after the Taliban's return to power in 2021.
Since 2009, the Reynolds have operated training projects across five schools in Kabul and one in Bamiyan, focusing on education for mothers and children.
Their daughter Sarah Entwistle told The Sunday Times: "They said they could not leave when Afghans were in their hour of need."
The educational programmes had reportedly received approval from local authorities, despite the Taliban's restrictions on women working and girls' education beyond age 12.
"They were meticulous about keeping by the rules even as they kept changing," Entwistle said.
Most of their staff and other Western residents left Afghanistan following the Taliban's return to power.
When first arrested, the couple maintained contact with their four children through text messages, informing them they were "being held by the interior ministry" and were fine.
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However, all communication ceased three days later, leaving their family without any contact since.
"My mother is 75 and my father almost 80 and [he] needs his heart medication after a mini-stroke," Entwistle said.
Their daughter expressed outrage at their detention, stating: "They were just trying to help the country they loved. The idea they are being held because they were teaching mothers with children is outrageous."
The Reynolds' four children have written an open letter to the Taliban leadership, appealing for their parents' release.
"We do not understand the reasons behind their arrest," they wrote. "They have communicated their trust in you, and that as Afghan citizens they will be treated well."
The family highlighted the couple's dual citizenship status and their desire to continue their work in Afghanistan.
Entwistle emphasised that her parents had always operated with Taliban permission.
The family is in contact with the Foreign Office, though assistance remains limited as the UK does not recognise the Taliban and has no embassy in Kabul.
Taliban officials confirmed to the BBC they had arrested British nationals believed to be working for a non-governmental organisation in Bamiyan province.
The Reynolds had previously told their family they would not wish to be involved in any ransom negotiations.
The couple stated they "would rather sacrifice their lives" than be traded as part of negotiations.
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Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, were arrested on February 1 as they were returning to their home.
The couple, who first met at Bath University, have spent the past 18 years operating training programmes in Afghanistan, choosing to remain in the country even after the Taliban's return to power in 2021.
Since 2009, the Reynolds have operated training projects across five schools in Kabul and one in Bamiyan, focusing on education for mothers and children.
Their daughter Sarah Entwistle told The Sunday Times: "They said they could not leave when Afghans were in their hour of need."
The educational programmes had reportedly received approval from local authorities, despite the Taliban's restrictions on women working and girls' education beyond age 12.
"They were meticulous about keeping by the rules even as they kept changing," Entwistle said.
Most of their staff and other Western residents left Afghanistan following the Taliban's return to power.
When first arrested, the couple maintained contact with their four children through text messages, informing them they were "being held by the interior ministry" and were fine.
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However, all communication ceased three days later, leaving their family without any contact since.
"My mother is 75 and my father almost 80 and [he] needs his heart medication after a mini-stroke," Entwistle said.
Their daughter expressed outrage at their detention, stating: "They were just trying to help the country they loved. The idea they are being held because they were teaching mothers with children is outrageous."
The Reynolds' four children have written an open letter to the Taliban leadership, appealing for their parents' release.
"We do not understand the reasons behind their arrest," they wrote. "They have communicated their trust in you, and that as Afghan citizens they will be treated well."
The family highlighted the couple's dual citizenship status and their desire to continue their work in Afghanistan.
Entwistle emphasised that her parents had always operated with Taliban permission.
The family is in contact with the Foreign Office, though assistance remains limited as the UK does not recognise the Taliban and has no embassy in Kabul.
Taliban officials confirmed to the BBC they had arrested British nationals believed to be working for a non-governmental organisation in Bamiyan province.
The Reynolds had previously told their family they would not wish to be involved in any ransom negotiations.
The couple stated they "would rather sacrifice their lives" than be traded as part of negotiations.
Find Out More...