Kidnapped US journalist faces Taliban captor in court as 42-year sentence caps long saga
Summary
Haji Najibullah, a former Taliban commander, faced court in Manhattan for his role in the 2008 kidnapping of US journalist David Rohde. Najibullah pleaded guilty to hostage-taking and supporting terrorism, culminating in a 42-year prison sentence after Rohde and two others were held hostage for seven months.Key Facts
- Najibullah was a Taliban commander involved in violent attacks and the kidnapping of David Rohde in 2008.
- Rohde, a former New York Times reporter, was held hostage for about seven months along with two Afghan associates.
- Najibullah pleaded guilty on April 25, 2025, to hostage-taking and providing material support to terrorism that caused deaths.
- Rohde was forced at gunpoint to make ransom videos and was moved between safe houses.
- The kidnapping began after a planned interview that Najibullah used to capture Rohde and his team.
- Rohde left letters for his family before the kidnapping, warning them not to publicize if he was taken.
- Najibullah used the kidnapping to demand ransom and the release of Taliban prisoners.
- The court sentenced Najibullah to 42 years in prison, ending a long legal case.
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