British couple describes Taliban detention as a “shocking experience”

KABUL: A British couple who were detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan for seven and a half months have described their ordeal as a “shocking experience” after returning home. Peter, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, said they faced a “major cultural shock” upon their return to the United Kingdom, following their prolonged detention. The couple, who had run a charity in Bamyan for nearly two decades, stated that they were never informed of the reasons for their arrest or the reasons behind their release in September. Their freedom was secured through mediation by Qatar, but the reasons for their detention remain unclear. Barbie stated, “The freedom here is striking; people are free to wear whatever they want and go wherever they please.” Having worn a hijab during their time in Afghanistan and not being allowed to be in public without her husband, she noted that the experience of imprisonment and restrictions had changed their perspective on the world. The couple was held in various prisons, including Pul-e-Charkhi, and described the living conditions as “cramped and harsh.” Barbie shared that during Ramadan, they received only one meal a day, leading to malnutrition and anemia. Peter added that seeing Barbie after months of separation was shocking, as her health had visibly deteriorated. Despite their ordeal, Peter and Barbie expressed that they harbor no resentment towards those who ordered their detention and are willing to collaborate with the Taliban regime for the betterment of the Afghan people.