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The families of two British men held in custody by the Taliban in Afghanistan have been able to speak to them for the first time since their arrest.
Kevin Cornwell, a 53-year-old charity medic, and another British national, who has not been named, were detained by the Taliban’s secret police on 11 January.
Another Briton being held is Miles Routledge, 23, who returned to the country after being evacuated by British armed forces less than two years ago during the Kabul airlift, after he travelled there for a “holiday” and was caught up in the chaos of the Taliban takeover. It is not known how long Routledge has been held for.
Presidium Network, a British nonprofit organisation that works in conflict zones, is assisting Cornwell, 53, from Middlesbrough, and the unnamed man.
Scott Richards, the organisation’s co-founder, tweeted on Sunday: “We can confirm the men have spoken with the family, the conversation was unscripted, and that they are being treated fairly.
“The family was able to speak for one minute to one minute and a half and to speak freely, clearly in what is an important and emotional call.”
Richards said the call “represents tremendous progress in the situation”, adding: “The details of that call are private, but we understand a great relief to the family.
“The relief Kevin’s family expressed after hearing his voice for the first time in three months not knowing if he was well, brought a sense of peace and gave them hope that this situation will be resolved soon.”
Richards added that the men were being held in a general directorate of intelligence facility for foreigners.
Cornwell and the unnamed Briton were arrested in a raid by officers from the Taliban’s general directorate of intelligence (GDI), the Mail on Sunday reported, after Taliban agents accused him of having an illegal firearm in the safe in his room at the Darya Village hotel.
Cornwell’s family said he was issued a licence for the handgun by the Taliban government. He had been in the country working as a medic for Iqarus International, which provides free healthcare to local people.
Earlier, Suella Braverman suggested that the government was “in negotiations” regarding the three men.
Pressed on whether talks were taking place, the home secretary told Sky News: “If there are problems and if there are safety concerns to British individuals abroad, then the FCDO will be working actively to ensure people are safe.”
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are working hard to secure consular contact with British nationals detained in Afghanistan and we are supporting families.”
The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Afghanistan because of the security risks.
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