Family's joy at release of couple held by Taliban

THE family of an elderly British couple released after months of detention in Afghanistan have spoken of their “immense joy” and said the experience has reminded them of “the power of diplomacy, empathy, and international cooperation”.

- CATHERINE WYLIE, NINA LLOYD and DAVID LYNCH

Barbie Reynolds, 76, and her husband Peter, 80, have been freed by the Taliban after being held for nearly eight months following their arrest as they travelled to their home in Bamyan province, central Afghanistan, in February.

‘The couple are expected to now be reunited with their family after being held since February without charge and for a long period being separated and detained in a maximum security prison.

‘They had lived in Afghanistan for nearly two decades, and ran a training and education organisation.

In a statement yesterday, their family said: “We are overwhelmed with gratitude and relief to share that our parents, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, have been released after seven months and 21 days in detention by the Taliban.

“This is a moment of immense joy for our family, and we are deeply thankful to everyone who played a role in securing their release”