Kevin Cornwell’s family say he is in ‘life-threatening condition’ at a Taliban black site (Picture: PA)
The family of a British charity medic detained by the Taliban’s secret police have warned he may be on the brink of death due to his treatment.
Kevin Cornwell, a 53-year-old dad from Middlesbrough, has been held by secret police in Afghanistan since January due to an alleged ‘misunderstanding’ over whether he could have a handgun.
Mr Cornwell’s captors have denied him medical care for a pre-existing kidney condition, which has flared up to ‘life-threatening’ levels, according to his loved ones.
A spokesperson for the Cornwells said: ‘This man, who is the heart of our family, might die from the absence of medical treatment – not because he committed a crime, but because he cared for people.
‘His only crime is helping those who cannot help themselves. He is a man who values honour and integrity in everything he undertakes in life.’
Mr Cornwell, a trained paramedic who has been working for healthcare charity Iqarus International, is reportedly accused of having an illegal firearm in his hotel room.
But his family insist he was granted a licence for the weapon.
The UK lost its embassy and consular channels after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan two years ago (Picture: AP)
Mr Cornwell’s kidney problems have been allowed to flare up without treatment (Picture: PA)
Scott Richards of the Presidium Network, a non-profit group negotiating with the Taliban on the Cornwells’ behalf, said: ‘We are no longer in a position where we have the allowance of time for extended deliberations on the release of the detainees, Kevin’s health necessitates it.
‘If Kevin were to die in GDI custody, the ramifications for the Taliban would be broad.
‘The evidence clearly indicates that the situation is a misunderstanding and there is now a risk of fatality due to the inability to provide medical care, which is of extreme concern.
‘The health of a true humanitarian is endangered and urgency has become a necessity.’
Among the three captives are 24-year-old Youtuber Miles Routledge (Picture: PA)
He is being held along with Miles Routledge, a 23-year-old Youtuber who calls himself a ‘danger tourist’, and an unnamed UK national who manages a hotel in Kabul.
The location where they are being held is unclear and the British government is unable to deploy consular officials in Afghanistan to find them.
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson previously said officials are trying to establish contact with the trio.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday: ‘If there are risks to people’s safety, if they’re a British citizen abroad, then the UK government is going to do whatever it takes to ensure that they’re safe.
‘The government is in negotiations and working hard to ensure people’s safety is upheld.’
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Kevin Cornwell’s captors have denied him medical treatment for a ‘life-threatening’ kidney condition, his family say.