An American citizen, Ryan Corbett, has been reportedly held by the Taliban for nearly two years, with his lawyers now seeking intervention from a United Nations human rights investigator. Corbett was abducted in August 2022 after returning to Afghanistan, where he had been living with his family following the collapse of the U.S.-backed government a year earlier.
According to his lawyers, Corbett has been subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment during his captivity. He has been moved between multiple prisons and has not been seen by anyone other than his captors since last December. Allegations include threats of physical violence, torture, malnourishment, lack of medical care, and solitary confinement in a basement cell with minimal sunlight and exercise.
Corbett's physical and mental health have significantly deteriorated, as reported by his family attorneys. Despite being able to speak with his family by phone, he has not been allowed any visits except for two check-ins from a third-party government.
The petition addressed to the UN human rights investigator urges urgent action to secure Corbett's release and freedom from torture, as guaranteed by international law. The U.S. government is also actively working to bring Corbett home, having designated him as wrongfully detained and pressing for his release.
Corbett, a resident of Dansville, New York, first visited Afghanistan in 2006 and relocated there in 2010, overseeing various non-governmental organizations. Forced to leave the country in 2021 due to the Taliban's takeover, he returned in 2022 to renew his business visa and continue his consulting and lending ventures.
His abduction occurred during a trip to Jawzjan province, where he was taken into custody by armed Taliban members. His family, particularly his wife Anna, has been advocating for his release and expressing concerns about the impact of his captivity on their children.
The situation remains unresolved, with efforts ongoing to secure Corbett's safe return and address the alleged mistreatment he has endured while in Taliban captivity.
