Lawyers representing an American man believed to be held captive by the Taliban for nearly two years are appealing to a United Nations human rights investigator for assistance. Ryan Corbett was abducted on August 10, 2022, in Afghanistan, where he had been living with his family amidst the collapse of the U.S.-backed government. Corbett had traveled to Afghanistan on a valid 12-month visa for a business venture aimed at promoting the country’s private sector through consulting services and lending. Since his abduction, Corbett has been moved between multiple prisons and has not been seen since last December by anyone other than his captors.
According to Corbett’s lawyers, he has been subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment during his captivity, including physical threats, torture, malnourishment, and lack of medical care. He has been held in solitary confinement, with minimal access to sunlight and exercise, leading to a significant deterioration in his physical and mental health. Corbett has been able to speak with his family by phone a few times, but they have not been able to see him in person. His family’s concerns are based on accounts from recently released prisoners who were with Corbett, as well as his own dispirited demeanor during conversations.
In a petition sent to Alice Edwards, an independent human rights investigator and the special rapporteur for torture at the U.N., Corbett’s lawyers are urging for urgent intervention to secure his immediate release from captivity. Corbett’s wife, Anna, expressed growing concerns about her husband’s deteriorating health and well-being, leading her to seek additional help in securing his release. The U.S. government has designated Corbett as wrongfully detained and is working to bring him home, using all available resources and diplomatic channels to facilitate his release from Afghanistan.
Corbett first visited Afghanistan in 2006 and relocated with his family in 2010, overseeing several non-governmental organizations. After being forced to leave the country in 2021 due to the Taliban’s capture of Kabul, Corbett returned in 2022 to renew his business visa and resume his consulting venture. However, during a trip to the northern Jawzjan province, he was captured by armed members of the Taliban and taken to an underground prison. Anna Corbett, who has been advocating for her husband’s release, expressed her anxiety and uncertainty about the situation, as well as concerns for her children’s well-being amidst the ongoing ordeal.
The Afghan Interior Ministry has claimed to have no knowledge of Corbett’s case, while the U.S. government continues to work towards his release with the assistance of diplomatic channels. Corbett’s family, legal representation, and U.N. human rights investigator are all working towards securing his freedom from captivity and ensuring his well-being. Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding Corbett’s situation, his loved ones remain hopeful for a resolution that will bring him home safely.
