Story perspectives

Former Taliban Commander Sentenced to 42 Years for Journalist Kidnapping

6/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Haji Najibullah (former Taliban commander) smiled as he received a 42-year term in Manhattan for kidnapping journalist David Rohde.
David Rohde testified that the kidnapping involved forced ransom videos and months of psychological torment.
Najibullah’s lawyer said his Russian upbringing and the U.S. war forced him to join the Taliban.
Judge Katherine Polk Failla sentenced him after hearing an apology that mentioned his brother’s loss and U.S. policy failures.

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Story summary

Haji Najibullah (former Taliban commander) smiled as he received a 42-year term in Manhattan for kidnapping journalist David Rohde.
David Rohde testified that the kidnapping involved forced ransom videos and months of psychological torment.
Najibullah’s lawyer said his Russian upbringing and the U.S. war forced him to join the Taliban.
Judge Katherine Polk Failla sentenced him after hearing an apology that mentioned his brother’s loss and U.S. policy failures.