ICC Faces External Probe Into Misconduct Allegations Against Prosecutor Karim Khan

[Social Media]

 

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has approved an external investigation into its top prosecutor, Karim Khan, following accusations of sexual misconduct. This inquiry, endorsed by the court's oversight body, the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, was confirmed by sources familiar with the decision. The court’s internal watchdog had initially closed the case within five days, but the external probe will reopen the investigation into allegations that Khan tried to coerce a female aide into a sexual relationship—a claim he has categorically denied.

 

While specific details on who will conduct the investigation remain unclear, possible leads include European law enforcement officials or a law firm. The United Nations’ internal watchdog has also been considered, though conflict-of-interest concerns arise due to Khan’s wife, a prominent human rights lawyer, previously working for the agency in Kenya on sexual harassment investigations.

 

An Associated Press investigation first reported the allegations, stating that two ICC employees had come forward on behalf of the alleged victim in May, weeks before Khan sought arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense minister, and three Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Khan has been criticized for alleged unwanted advances toward the woman, whom he frequently traveled with after transferring her to his office from another ICC department. According to whistle-blower documents reviewed by the AP, Khan reportedly made inappropriate requests, including allegedly asking the woman to join him on a hotel bed during a foreign trip, attempting to enter her room in the early hours, and asking her to go on vacation with him.

 

The alleged victim ultimately chose not to file a formal complaint, citing distrust in the ICC's internal watchdog, which closed its initial inquiry within days and did not question Khan. The watchdog later issued a memo urging Khan to limit contact with the woman to protect all involved parties and preserve the court's integrity.

 

Under Khan’s leadership, the ICC has pursued ambitious cases against war crimes and atrocities worldwide, leading to friction with powerful states. The ICC has been increasingly targeted, particularly since its probe into Russian actions in Ukraine last year, which was followed by a cyberattack that crippled court functions for weeks. The court has also drawn the ire of Israel, which reportedly engaged in an influence campaign against ICC staff after the court recognized Palestine as a member state in 2015 and launched preliminary investigations into Israel's actions. According to reports from *The Guardian* and Israeli outlets, Israel's intelligence agencies allegedly targeted senior ICC officials, even monitoring Khan’s predecessor.

 

In light of the AP’s findings, Khan had proposed a new investigation by the ICC's internal watchdog, pledging full cooperation. However, with the Assembly of States Parties authorizing an external investigation, the probe will likely be broader and more independent in scope, ensuring a more transparent examination of the allegations against the ICC’s top prosecutor.

 

Based on a report by Euro News 2024-11-12

 

Related:

ICC Chief Prosecutor Accused of Suppressing Misconduct Allegations Against Him

 

 

 

[nobodysfriend]

These days , it is easy to ' discredit ' someone by accusing that person of ' sexual misconduct ' .

Justified or not , these accusations are a weapon to be used against someone who is standing in the way of somebody else ...

Who can or would profit from Karin Khan's disappearance ? Who wants him removed ?

Is that witness credible ?

On 11/12/2024 at 3:06 AM, Social Media said:

Khan sought arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense minister, and three Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes in Gaz

On 11/12/2024 at 3:06 AM, Social Media said:

allegations that Khan tried to coerce a female aide into a sexual relationship—a claim he has categorically denied.