Three British citizens are reportedly detained in Afghanistan, according to a television channel that cited the British Foreign Office for confirmation. The report states that three Britons are being held by the Taliban authorities, a claim that has drawn attention from governments and families alike. The individuals named in the coverage include Kevin Cornwell and another unidentified British national. The Telegraph later identified a third detained British citizen as Miles Routledge, who was reportedly seized on March 2 alongside two Polish nationals.
According to the channel, Cornwell faces accusations related to the possession of unlawful firearms found in a safe at his residence. His family, however, insists that he had been granted a license for the firearms, a detail that the family says contradicts the charges being pursued by Afghan authorities. In responding to the developing situation, the British Foreign Office emphasized its commitment to ensuring consular access for British detainees and stated that every effort is being made to support the relatives of those affected. The statement underscored that consular teams are engaging with Afghan officials to secure information and basic welfare provisions for the detained individuals.
The broader security landscape in Afghanistan has been shifting recently. In a related development, Afghanistan’s top religious authorities issued guidance through the courts that align certain criminal penalties with interpretations of Sharia law. The guidance covers a range of offenses and specifies punitive measures that include amputations for some crimes, public flogging for others, and in extreme cases, stoning. This legal direction is part of a broader pattern of legal-administrative actions seen under Taliban governance, which continues to shape how cases are processed and how sentences are carried out across the country.
Observers note that the involvement of foreign nationals in Afghanistan’s legal framework has long been a source of international concern. Governments stress the importance of due process, humane treatment, and access to legal representation for all detainees, regardless of nationality. The current situation with the three Britons, and the presence of other foreigners in similar circumstances, highlights ongoing questions about judicial transparency, detention conditions, and the rights of individuals captured within Afghanistan’s borders. Families are urging patience while consular teams gather facts and advocate for timely, clear communication about charges, court dates, and potential release timelines. Attribution: television channel report and follow-up statements from the British Foreign Office.