Detained UK couple over a small matter: Taliban

KABUL: The Taliban detained a British couple in Afghanistan over a small matter and the courts will rule on it based on Islamic law, a government spokesman said Tuesday, adding: “God willing, their problem will soon be resolved.”

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It’s the first time in more than a month that Taliban authorities have publicly commented on the case of Peter and Barbie Boyatt, who were arrested in early February after being driven from their home in central Bamiyan province to the capital, Kabul.

The husband and wife, who are in their 70s, run an organisation that provides healthcare and training programs, family members in the UK have said they are being mistreated in Pul-e-Charkhi prison, where they are held on undisclosed charges.

In a message to media, Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani did not give details on what the couple was arrested of commit on their treatment.

“The only thing I can say is that the matter was previously with the Interior Ministry and it has now been handed over to the courts,” Qani said.