Elderly couple released by Taliban 'would like to go back to Afghanistan', lawyer claims
An elderly British couple who were held by the Taliban in an Afghan prison 'would like to return' to the country after their release today, their lawyer has claimed.
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Tatyana Eatwell, who was a part of Barbie and Peter Reynolds's legal team, told LBC's Tom Swarbrick: "The couple have actually said that they would like to return to Afghanistan in the future.
"They say they're Afghan citizens, so that's quite remarkable after the experience they've been through. It is. And I think it's a reflection. I mean, the whole family, actually, both the children and Peter and Barbie have, you know, conducted themselves with huge amounts of dignity and resilience throughout this ordeal."
Barbie Reynolds, 76, and her husband Peter, 80, were released on Friday through Qatari mediation and after months of public lobbying.
Ms Eatwell added: "I think Barbie's comment is a reflection of her and her husband's deep love for Afghanistan and the Afghan people. As I said before, they devoted their life and work to Afghanistan and they were deeply connected with the community there.
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"And, yeah, I think sort of, they just have a great love and dedication for the people of that country. So it's not surprising that she would want to return one day."
The Reynolds were visibly emotional while exiting their flight in Doha as they embraced their daughter Sarah Entwistle and other family members who had gathered to see them.
Officials said the couple were taken for medical checks before travelling back to the UK.
They had lived in Afghanistan for nearly two decades.
The Taliban said the pair had broken Afghan laws and were released after judicial proceedings - but the group have never revealed the reason for their detention.
'Huge relief'
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “I welcome the release of Peter and Barbara Reynolds from detention in Afghanistan, and I know this long-awaited news will come as a huge relief to them and their family.
“I want to pay tribute to the vital role played by Qatar, including The Amir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, in securing their freedom.”
The couple, who wed in Kabul in 1970, were encouraged to flee the country when the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, but decided to stay as "they could not leave when Afghans were in their hour of need".
Together, they run an organisation called Rebuild, which facilitates education and training programmes for civilians.
They were first arrested as they travelled back to their home in Bamyan province.
In March, they were then moved to a maximum security prison in Kabul.
In April, their son Jonathan said his parents had "never heard one accusation or one charge".
He said the British government had offered to evacuate them when the Taliban took over, to which they replied: "Why would we leave these people in their darkest hour?"