AGO summons Ex-Presidential advisor over sexual abuse claims

KABUL (TOLO News): The Attorney General’s Office, or the AGO, has summoned Habibullah Ahmadzai, a former advisor to President Ghani, over his sexual abuse allegations which he recently leveled against certain people inside the Presidential Palace.

The allegations were made last month by a former Afghan government official who claimed that some members of Ghani’s administration were trading government positions for sexual favors.

The allegations were widely shared on social media, triggering an outcry in the country.

Ahmadzai, who resigned from his post to contest in parliamentary elections, claimed that some officials “were working systematically to promote adultery in the palace”.

The AGO spokesman Jamshid Rasuli said Ahmadzai was notified for several times to provide his evidence about the claims, but he has refrained to appear at the AGO.

“In order to complete the investigation as soon as possible, the Attorney General of Afghanistan issued a summons letter for Mr. Ahmadzai two times and directed the security and intelligence agencies to inform Mr. Ahmadzai about the subpoena so that he consults with the probe team and provide his documents and evidence if available,” said Rasuli.

Based on the criminal law, the Attorney General’s Office can summon a claimer if he/she has filed a complaint at the judicial body.

“This is a major allegation and needs an authentic investigation and assessment. I recommend a neutral court to be established, including women in its structure because women have reached the highest peak of success and have always faced allegations while the main perpetrator is a man. Therefore, there is a need for a thorough investigation to find out the fact,” said former minister of higher education Farida Momand.

Last month, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah called for an impartial and transparent investigation into the case.