ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan Denies Sexual Misconduct Allegations, Calls for Investigation

Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the ICC, faces allegations of sexual misconduct but asserts his innocence, requesting an inquiry to clarify the situation.

 

Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), firmly denies recent allegations of sexual misconduct and has initiated a request for an immediate investigation into the claims. In his statement, Khan expressed his willingness to provide full cooperation with the ICC's Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM) to ensure a transparent process. The allegations surfaced following media reports referencing a document that outlines accusations against him, including instances of unwanted sexual touching and misconduct.

These developments come at a time when the ICC is already under significant scrutiny due to Khan's pursuit of arrest warrants related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a recent interview, he defended the court's actions and the legitimacy of the warrants against Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he accuses of alleged war crimes.

The President of the ICC's Assembly of States Parties (ASP) disclosed last week that the IOM had spoken with the alleged victim but had not yet moved forward with an investigation. Concerns have been raised regarding the IOM's capability and the adequacy of their procedures for addressing such sensitive matters. Paivi Kaukoranta, ASP President, highlighted that the IOM recommended measures to protect the rights of all parties involved.

While Khan has not directly cited the ongoing conflict or Israel’s response, he suggested that the allegations could be part of broader attacks on himself and the ICC during a particularly vulnerable period. He expressed sadness over the public nature of the accusations, stating that there is "no truth" to the claims against him.

These serious allegations come at a critical juncture for the ICC, which is navigating internal discord over the handling of such claims and widespread criticisms from various quarters. The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, operates under a strict zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and discrimination, aiming to uphold the integrity of its judicial processes while safeguarding the rights of those involved in the inquiry.