Ghani’s Administration Gives Government Posts in Exchange of Sexual Favors, Investigate Authorities

Afghanistan's authorities say they have launched an investigation into allegations that some members of President Ashraf Ghani's administration have given out government posts in exchange for sexual favors.

Jamshid Rasuli, a spokesman for the attorney general's office, told reporters in Kabul on May 28 that a team had been formed to investigate the claims. The accusations were made by General Habibullah Ahmadzai, a former senior adviser to Ghani, in a TV interview last week.

Ahmadzai, who did not provide any evidence, said "circles" inside the Afghan presidential palace were asking women for sexual favors — offering coveted government jobs in return.

The allegations have prompted condemnation in Kabul and Afghans have taken to social media to demand a probe.

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Haroon Chakhansuri, a spokesman for Ghani, said that the accusations were "false and baseless." And Nargis Nehan, the acting minister of mines and petroleum, tweeted on May 25: "I can say with confidence that these allegations are baseless."

In an interview with Khurshid TV on May 23, Ahmadzai said that "people were working systematically to promote adultery in the [presidential] palace." Rasuli said investigators had asked Ahmadzai to deliver any evidence he may have to support his claims by May 30. (RFERL)