Independent Investigation Launched into ICC Chief Prosecutor
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced plans to initiate an independent investigation regarding allegations of sexual misconduct involving its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan. This development comes amidst significant scrutiny, particularly given Mr. Khan’s high-profile role in seeking arrest warrants for prominent leaders from Israel and Hamas in connection with wartime actions in Gaza.
According to a statement from Paivi Kaukoranta, the head of the international assembly overseeing the ICC, the inquiry will be conducted by an external body to guarantee a comprehensive, impartial, and fair process. This step is intended to uphold the integrity of the court and reassure all parties involved.
In a statement reported by The Associated Press, Mr. Khan expressed his awareness of the investigation and indicated that he had requested his two deputy prosecutors to handle the matter internally. He stated, “I welcome the opportunity to engage in this process.” The controversy initially gained traction following a report from The Daily Mail in October, which detailed allegations of harassment made by a female colleague, claims that Mr. Khan has categorically denied.
Subsequent reporting by The Guardian suggested that Mr. Khan attempted to suppress the allegations, a claim he has also refuted. After being informed of these serious allegations, Ms. Kaukoranta, who represents 125 nations that recognize the court’s authority, noted in late October that the ICC typically seeks the consent of any alleged victim before proceeding with an investigation. However, following discussions with Mr. Khan’s accuser, she indicated that the court was “not in a position to proceed.”
Shortly thereafter, Mr. Khan took to social media to assert that the matter had been deemed “closed” by the court’s oversight body without an investigation, citing the absence of a formal complaint. He further claimed that the “alleged aggrieved person” had opted against pursuing an investigation. Additionally, he expressed a desire for an inquiry into how the information— which he labeled as “disinformation”—had been publicized.
