Afghan ex-cop gets 20 years in jail for murdering AP photographer
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 29 March 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Afghan ex-cop gets 20 years in jail for murdering AP photographer, 29 March 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/552f9dad32.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 29, 2015
AP photographer Anja Niedringhaus laughs as she attends a swimming event at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
Afghanistan's Supreme Court has ruled that the police officer convicted of murdering Associated Press photographer Anja Niedringhaus and wounding AP correspondent Kathy Gannon almost one year ago should serve 20 years in prison.
The ruling against former Afghan police unit commander Naqibullah was revealed in documents sent to Afghanistan's attorney general on March 28.
The final sentence was reduced from the death penalty that had been recommended in 2014 by a trial court.
Twenty years in prison is the maximum jail sentence in Afghanistan.
Naqibullah, who uses only one name, opened fire on Niedringhaus and Gannon without warning on April 4, 2014 as the two were covering the first round of Afghanistan's presidential election outside the southeastern city of Khost.
Niedringhaus was killed instantly.
Gannon, a senior AP correspondent with decades of experience in Pakistan and Afghanistan, was hit by six bullets.
She is recovering from her injuries in her native Canada.
Based on reporting by AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
