Abdul Latif Hakimi
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Mullah Abdul Latif Hakimi, also known as Latif Hakimi or Hakim Latifi, was a purported spokesman for the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Hakimi first claimed a suicide bombing on January 28, 2004, that killed a British soldier in Kabul. Since then he has made dozens of claims of responsibility on behalf of the Taliban. U.S. and Afghan officials say that many of Hakimi's claims are exaggerated or completely untrue; however, they do believe he represents some of the rebel factions in Afghanistan.
On October 4, 2005, Pakistan said it had arrested Hakimi in the eastern Balochistan province. After Hakimi's capture, Qari Mohammad Yousuf represented the Taliban, along with Muhammad Hanif, who has since been captured as well.
Hakimi was released on March 18, 2007 along with four other Taliban prisoners in exchange for the release of kidnapped Italian reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo. Daniele was freed a day later but Daniele's driver Sayed Agha was beheaded days before after the Taliban claimed he was a spy. Daniele's translator Adjmal Nashkbandi was beheaded on April 8, 2007.[1]
