Mariam Sama, a former member of Afghanistan’s House of Representatives during the republican era, has sharply criticized Saad Mohseni, the head of the Moby Group, accusing him of having long supported and lobbied for the Taliban.
In her remarks, Sama said she hopes people now understand how these media outlets, during the republican period, contributed to weakening the government and creating conditions for the Taliban’s return to power. According to her, Mohseni has never been, and is not, a genuine supporter of freedom of expression, independent media, or women’s rights.
She also condemned Mohseni’s recent statements, saying that he “shamelessly” claims that women’s lives in Afghanistan are normal and that girls are attending school.
Sama described the Moby Group chairman as a “conscienceless businessman” and alleged that he is concerned only with his personal financial interests rather than the realities facing Afghan society, accusing him of exploiting the plight of Afghan women for personal gain.
In her criticism, Sama also took issue with the conduct of those who were seated alongside Mohseni during the discussion. She specifically mentioned BBC journalist Lais Dost, stating that, as a woman, she chose to remain silent in the face of such remarks.
Sama further alleged that Dost was nodding while Mohseni was speaking, which, in her view, amounted to an endorsement of his comments. She added that this was not the first time the journalist had been associated with similar situations.
Sama emphasized that the realities regarding women’s rights and the current situation of women in Afghanistan should not be concealed. She described such media conduct as an attempt to distort the facts and misrepresent the realities on the ground.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
