Danish Siddiqui Foundation pleads for govt’s help in pursuing justice for photographer from Taliban

The Danish Siddiqui Foundation is seeking the Indian government’s assistance in securing justice for Danish Siddiqui, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist murdered by the Taliban in 2021, as Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, visits India, reports 24brussels.

The Foundation emphasized the significance of Muttaqi’s visit in its appeal for justice, urging India to take action through the International Criminal Court and United Nations Human Rights Council. “As the Taliban Foreign Minister visits India, we renew our call for justice. Danish Siddiqui, an acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning Indian journalist, was captured, tortured, and killed in Afghanistan in 2021 while reporting from the field. We seek the assistance of the Government of India in pursuing justice,” the organization stated in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

As the Taliban Foreign Minister visits India, we renew our call for justice. Danish Siddiqui, a Pulitzer Prize–winning Indian journalist, was captured, tortured, and killed in Afghanistan in 2021 while reporting. We continue to seek truth and accountability. pic.twitter.com/dDHFnOUHnn

— Danish Siddiqui Foundation (@DSFAsiaOrg) October 11, 2025

Danish Siddiqui, who was a prominent figure not only in India but also in Afghanistan, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize posthumously on May 10, 2022, for his work documenting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Siddiqui was killed while covering a clash between Afghan special forces and Taliban insurgents, a situation he had been embedded in for reporting purposes.

Following Siddiqui’s death, his parents made formal complaints to the International Criminal Court against senior Taliban leaders, including Hibatullah Akhundzada, Hassan Akhund, Abdul Ghani Baradar, and others, on March 22, 2022.

The charges against these officials include their alleged roles in Siddiqui’s brutal treatment. On July 16, 2021, Siddiqui, who was known for his frontline photography, was injured while embedded with Afghan forces in Spin Boldak. After being taken to a mosque for treatment, he was apprehended, tortured, and ultimately killed by the Taliban. Eyewitness accounts indicate that Siddiqui faced severe violence due to his identity as a journalist and Indian national, with reports detailing the mutilation of his body following his murder.

Evidence of torture was noted post-mortem, revealing 12 bullet wounds, despite no damage to his bulletproof vest, suggesting these injuries were inflicted while in custody. The Foundation’s statement underscores the need for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law regarding the Taliban’s actions against journalists.