Agencies Afghanistan 

The family of a British couple in their 70s imprisoned by the Taliban in Afghanistan has expressed serious concerns over their deteriorating health after delays to their expected court appearance.

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, used to run an educational training programme for mothers and children in Bamiyan, one of the largest cities in central Afghanistan.They on February 1 last month when they travelled to their home in Bamiyan province.

The couple, aged 79 and 75, has been running projects in schools in Afghanistan for 18 years. They have not been informed of the charges against them, their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, said. Her parents had been taken to court separately and had been unable to see each other before their case was delayed.

“Mum’s health is rapidly deteriorating, and she is collapsing due to malnutrition. She and the other women are provided only one meal a day, while the men receive three,” Entwistle said. “Dad’s health is also declining, and he’s experiencing tremors in his head and left arm,” she said. Family fears that Peter’s life is at risk without medication. Despite being told that the court appearance would result in a final decision, the couple “spent four hours sitting on the floor, chained to other prisoners, before being returned to the prison”, Entwistle said.

“At the last minute, they were informed that they would not be seen by the judge. The guards indicated that a different judge would now be handling the case.” Entwistle said , “There are still no charges against them, and no evidence of any crime has been submitted. We are, of course, devastated by this delay. It makes little sense, especially given that the Taliban have repeatedly stated that this situation is due to misunderstandings, and that they will be released ‘soon’.”