Remarks made by Saad Mohseni, owner of the Moby Group media network, during a cultural event in London have sparked widespread reactions from civil society activists, journalists, and social media users.
Speaking at the event on Saturday, June 6, Mohseni said that the current situation in Afghanistan is “normal” and that women in urban areas do not face serious restrictions on their freedom of movement. He also claimed that women are able to drive in some areas and continue their daily lives.
In part of his remarks, Mohseni referred to the experiences of members of his own family traveling to Kabul, stating that girls in some areas are still attending school.
His comments come despite numerous reports by international organizations and human rights groups documenting extensive restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan. These reports have highlighted limitations on access to education, employment, and participation in certain public spaces.
Much of the criticism of Mohseni’s remarks has emerged on social media, where critics have accused him of presenting a picture that differs from the realities on the ground in Afghanistan. They argue that such statements could create a misleading impression of the state of women’s rights in the country.
Several women’s rights activists have also stressed that individual or limited experiences cannot be considered representative of the broader situation faced by women across Afghanistan. They argue that any assessment of current conditions must take into account the wider social and legal realities affecting women nationwide.
At the same time, the controversy has renewed debate over how Afghanistan’s situation is portrayed and the role of the media in reflecting the country’s social and political developments. As of the publication of this report, Mohseni had not publicly responded to the criticism and reactions surrounding his remarks.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
