Brit medic locked up in secret Taliban prison for 10 months is finally released

10 October 2023 , 18:35

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Kevin Cornwell was accused of spying by the Taliban (Image: PA)

An aid worker and a 'danger tourist' were among four Brits freed in Afghanistan, it was confirmed today.

UN aid specialist Kevin Cornwell, 54, of Middlesbrough, suffered serious illness during his 10-month detention. He was freed by the Taliban along with 'extreme tourist' Miles Routledge, a 23-year-old known as 'Lord Miles' to his YouTube followers. Miles called the Taliban 'his friends' as he posted about his travels around the country. But he was held along with Kevin, who has contracted sepsis several times while held in captivity.

Both were making their way home to be reunited with their families as their release was confirmed on Tuesday. The Foreign Office "welcomed and appreciated" the release of the four men. The other two have not been named.

Kevin contracted sepsis numerous times while being held (PA)

Miles Routledge was also captured by the Taliban (PA)

Kevin was held over Taliban claims that they had been 'spying' after he was found with a weapon in his hotel room. But it was unclear why Miles had been held.

His mum admitted that she had no idea of why he had been held captive. "Of course, I am very worried," Susan Routledge said earlier this year. "I just hope that he is safe, and nothing happens to him."

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Miles travelled to Afghanistan because he enjoyed 'dark tourism' (PA)

The former physics student, from Birmingham, is known for posting about his 'extreme' travels on social media. The Foreign Office admitted the UK government "regretted this episode". It said: "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."

Miles was evacuated from Afghanistan in 2021 by the British armed forces after the Taliban regained control of the country. He was "exhausted but relieved". He chose to travel to Afghanistan because he enjoyed "dark" and "extreme" tourism.

It was unclear why Miles was abducted by the Taliban

Scott Richards, of the humanitarian group Presidium Network, confirmed Kevin had contracted sepsis multiple times. He said: "The relief we feel, and the relief of the families is indescribable, just knowing the men are on a plane home. We are all deeply thankful for the efforts of the Foreign Office, and we are pleased the Taliban finally permitted these men their liberty."

Both Kevin and Miles may need medical help. Kevin's detention was understood to be over a weapon that had been in a safe in his room. The weapon was being stored with a licence issued by the Afghan interior ministry but that the license was missing. The men were detained on January 11 this year. One of the other captives was said to be a hotel manager.

Jeremy Armstrong