Story perspectives

Manhattan Judge Sentences Najibullah to 42 Years for Journalist Kidnapping

6/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Haji Najibullah received a 42-year prison term in Manhattan on June 9, 2026 for kidnapping journalist David Rohde.
He pleaded guilty in April 2025 to support for terrorism, hostage conspiracy, and weapon supplies to the Taliban from 2007-2009.
During sentencing, David Rohde testified about his 2008 kidnapping, seven-month captivity, and said Najibullah refused responsibility.
Rohde noted that three U.S. soldiers killed by Najibullah’s associates in a separate operation died before the kidnapping victims.

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Story summary

Haji Najibullah received a 42-year prison term in Manhattan on June 9, 2026 for kidnapping journalist David Rohde.
He pleaded guilty in April 2025 to support for terrorism, hostage conspiracy, and weapon supplies to the Taliban from 2007-2009.
During sentencing, David Rohde testified about his 2008 kidnapping, seven-month captivity, and said Najibullah refused responsibility.
Rohde noted that three U.S. soldiers killed by Najibullah’s associates in a separate operation died before the kidnapping victims.