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Four UK Nationals Released From Afghan Prison

Detained British citizens freed after unspecified charges; UK government welcomes release

LONDON — Finally at ease, four UK nationals released from prison in Afghanistan. 

“Four British citizens who were detained in Afghanistan for violating local laws have been released,” said Britain’s Foreign Ministry. 

On Tuesday October 10, the UK government welcomed the release of its citizens from foreign detention. The four had been detained in Afghanistan on charges not specified. 

Ambassador to Afghanistan Sir Laurie Bristow (left) is greeted by Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Afghanistan releases four UK nationals detainees. JONATHAN BRADY-WPA POOL/GETTY IMAGES. 

“The Ministry apologizes for any violations of the laws of the country,” read a statement from Britain’s Foreign Ministry. It apologized on behalf of the four men without indicating what offences they committed. 

One of the Non Profit Making Organization that has UK roots tweeted that it was representing two out of the four people released. “Charity medic Kevin Cornwell, 53, and YouTube star Miles Routledge, were among those released,” said Presidium Network Organization in a tweet. 

“They are coming home! Thank you to everyone for their support of these men during this difficult period. We are all relieved,” said the organization on X, formerly Twitter.

“The two men were believed to have been held by the Taliban authorities since January,” noted the organization.

It is believed that a couple of foreigners or dual-citizens are in detention in Afghanistan, though officials have not acknowledged any arrests.

One of the detainees from Birmingham of central England, Routledge, is a famous traveler. He tours off-beat places and shares his experiences on various social media platforms.  

In August 2021, he was evacuated from Afghanistan by the British Military forces when Taliban repossessed the nation. However, he went back.  

“We welcome and appreciate the release by the current administration of Afghanistan of four British nationals who were detained on allegations of breaking the laws of Afghanistan,” read a statement released by the UK Foreign Office earlier.

Ambassador to Afghanistan Sir Laurie Bristow (left) is greeted by Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Afghanistan releases four UK nationals detainees. JONATHAN BRADY-WPA POOL/GETTY IMAGES. 

The spokesperson expressed apologies on behalf of families to the Taliban administration for any violations of the laws of the country.

“On behalf of families of the British nationals, we express their apologies to the current administration of Afghanistan for any violations of the laws of the country,” added the spokesperson.

“We remind all British nationals of the requirement to comply with relevant UK counter-terrorism legislation when overseas and abide by all laws of the country of destination. Where appropriate, we will pass information to the relevant authorities in the UK for consideration,” added the statement.

“The UK Government regrets this episode,” read the statement.

Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager

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