| StorageSite | UCL SSEES |
| Level | SubSeries |
| Reference Number | BTL/6/9 |
| Title | Bethell's visits to Afghanistan and lobbying on behalf of Soviet prisoners of war |
| Date | 5 Aug 1980-5 Jun 1992 |
| Description | Bethell was interested in human rights aspects of the Soviet-Afghan war. Whilst on a European Parliament Mission to Pakistan in 1984, Bethell visited Afghan refugee camps in Pakistan and interviewed Soviet prisoners captured in Afghanistan. After the visit he helped two Soviet prisoners of war gain refugee status in the United Kingdom and the papers include correspondence and lobbying surrounding their release from Afghan captivity as well as newspaper articles by Bethell and others covering their subsequent life in Richmond, West London and their voluntary return to the Soviet Union.
Bethell visited Afghanistan again in November 1989 and interviewed President Najibullah and other Afghan political leaders regarding the fate of Soviet prisoners. Bethell was given lists of prisoners by both sides. He also visited the Deputies of the Supreme Soviet to discuss the issue in December 1989.
Papers relating to Bethell's visits to Afghanistan to meet and assist Afghan refugees and Soviet and Afghan prisoners of war held in captivity by the Afghan rebels. |
| Extent | 4 folders, photographs |
| AccessStatus | Certain restrictions apply |
| AccessConditions | Parts of the series may have restricted access. |
| Copyright | Copyright of photographs is mainly held by 'The Mail on Sunday' and 'Associated Press Photographs' |