American held by Taliban for nearly two years needs urgent medical care, says UN expert

GENEVA – The Taliban must provide Mr Ryan Corbett, an American held in Afghanistan for nearly two years, with immediate medical care to prevent irreparable harm to his health or even his death, a United Nations expert said on June 13.

“The Taliban must provide Ryan Corbett with medical treatment in a civilian hospital without delay,” said Ms Alice Jill Edwards, the UN special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Mr Corbett, an aid worker, has been held without charge in conditions “utterly inadequate and substantially below international standards”, she said.

“This is having a significant impact on his physical and mental health, which is declining rapidly,” added Ms Edwards. She said she had raised the issue directly with the Taliban.

“Without adequate medical care he is at risk of irreparable harm or even death,” she said.

Mr Corbett and his family moved to Afghanistan in 2010. He worked with non-governmental organisations and then started his own – Bloom Afghanistan – to bolster the country's private sector through consulting, micro-finance and project evaluation.

He left with his family following the Taliban takeover in 2021, but he continued working with his organisation and went back in January 2022 to renew his business visa.

Despite having a valid visa, he was arrested by the Taliban in August 2022 after he returned to pay and train his staff, his lawyers have said.

A German and two Afghans with whom Mr Corbett was arrested have since been released.

The UN expert said that Mr Corbett has developed several medical problems, including ringing in his ears, and severe weight loss. He has also repeatedly expressed intentions of suicide and self-harm.

The US has had no diplomatic presence in Kabul since it fell to the Taliban in August 2021 as US troops pulled out after 20 years of war. REUTERS