Wed Apr 09 02:26:15 UTC 2025: ## British Couple Detained in Afghanistan Await Sharia Court Ruling
**Kabul, Afghanistan** – A British couple, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, held in Afghanistan since early February, are awaiting a ruling from a Sharia court, according to a Taliban government spokesperson. The spokesperson, Abdul Mateen Qani, downplayed the severity of the charges against the couple, who are in their 70s and run an educational organization. He stated the case, previously handled by the Interior Ministry, has been transferred to the courts and that a decision will be made soon.
While Mr. Qani did not specify the reason for their arrest or comment on reports of mistreatment in Pul-e-Charkhi prison, he assured that the matter is “not that big” and will be resolved quickly under Islamic law. Family members in the UK have expressed concern about the couple’s wellbeing.
This statement marks the first public acknowledgement of the case by the Taliban in over a month. The detention of the Reynolds couple contrasts with the recent release of a U.S. national, Faye Hall, who was detained on drone-related charges and freed in a deal facilitated by Qatari negotiators. This is reportedly the fourth American released from Afghanistan since January. The case of the British couple now awaits the decision of Afghanistan’s Sharia court.
First Piper 