UK-Taliban negotiations continue as three British reportedly arrested by Taliban’s secret police last January. Youtuber Miles Routledge, charity medic Kevin Cornwell, and a British hotel manager who has not been named were the three British who are in Taliban’s custody, Fox News reported.
UK-Taliban Negotiations Continue
The FCDO of the United Kingdom stated that they are making efforts to establish communication with the detained British nationals. According to a spokesperson from the FCDO, they are actively working to facilitate consular communication with the detainees in Afghanistan and assist their families.
Last January, during a raid conducted by the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) of the Taliban, Cornwell was reportedly apprehended by The Guardian’s report.
Taliban agents accused him of possessing an illegal firearm in his room’s safe at the Darya Village Hotel. But Cornwell’s family respond to the allegations and said he was issued a licensed handgun by the Taliban government. Cornwell has been working as a medic for Iqarus International which provides health care to local people.
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Charges Are Not Clear
The other two British nationals in custody were detained during a raid held in a secure unit for foreign nationals run by GDI. Charges are not clear and they have not granted legal representations. With the help of Scott Richards of Presidium Network, an experienced negotiator, their families are being supported.
Scott Richards believed the detainees were in good health and treated well. But, he admitted he has no contact and access to any international agencies yet.
Reportedly, last June, five British nationals were held by the Taliban for about six months and were released. They had been seized separately and British Government said nothing was given in return except an apology by them.
Overall, UK-Taliban negotiations continue as three British detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan. U.K. Government continues its efforts in contacting international agencies and hoping that they will be released soon. Families are also hoping for the safety of the detainees.
