The ICC said on Monday that it will initiate an external investigation into sexual misconduct charges against its head prosecutor, Karim Khan, who has previously refuted these allegations. Khan stated he will persist in supervising enquiries into accusations of war crimes, including those in Israel and Gaza, throughout the probe.
The International Criminal Court’s governing body launched on Monday an external probe into purported misconduct by top prosecutor Karim Khan, who has refuted the claims.
In May, Karim Khan garnered attention by requesting ICC arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and three senior Hamas commanders.
The president of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), Paivi Kaukoranta, said an external probe was needed “in order to ensure a fully independent, impartial and fair process.”
The 54-year-old Briton said he welcomed the investigation and “the opportunity to engage in this process”.
“I will be continuing all other functions as prosecutor, in line with my mandate, across situations addressed by the International Criminal Court,” Khan said.
Karim Khan has reportedly been accused of sexual misconduct towards a member of his office, but he has said there was “no truth to suggestions” of such behaviour.
“It was with deep sadness that I understood reports of misconduct were to be aired publicly in relation to me,” Khan said in a statement emailed to AFP at the time.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.