Kidnapped US journalist faces Taliban captor in court as 42-year sentence caps long saga
Haji Najibullah imprisoned for role in capture of David Rohde, New York Times journalist held for months in 2008
TL;DR
- Haji Najibullah, a former Taliban commander, was sentenced to 42 years in prison.
- He was convicted for his role in the 2008 kidnapping of former New York Times reporter David Rohde.
- Rohde and two associates were held captive for approximately seven months in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- Najibullah also faced charges for leading militants who attacked US service members.
- Najibullah pleaded guilty to hostage-taking and material support for terrorism resulting in death.
- Rohde described the psychological torture and fear experienced during his captivity, including being forced to make ransom videos.
- Rohde escaped with his translator in June 2009.
- Najibullah's defense argued for a shorter sentence, citing his background and his status as an enemy of the Taliban.
- Prosecutors sought a life sentence due to the "unimaginable pain" caused to victims.
- Najibullah expressed regret for his role in the kidnapping.