The Taliban has beheaded a freelance journalist and translator who was kidnapped in Afghanistan last month. Ajmal Naqshbandi was seized along with an Italian journalist from the newspaper La Repubblica. The Italian journalist — Daniele Mastrogiacomo — was released as part of a swap for five imprisoned Taliban members. But no deal was reached to free the Afghan journalist. Last month Ajmal pleaded for his life in a video message released by his captors.

Ajmal Naqshbandi: “I am a freelance journalist. We came in Helmand, and we entered Taliban territory illegally. We are now with the Taliban. Until now, we are alive, and now I request the media community and the government to try their best to release us as soon as possible. Today is Monday, 12th March, 2007.”

Ajmal’s driver was also beheaded by his captors. The Taliban is still holding two French aid workers and three Afghan colleagues seized last week.