Oversight Body to Investigate Alleged Misconduct by ICC Prosecutor

November 12, 2024 TruthUSA

ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan has refuted the allegations, stating that there is “no truth to suggestions of such misconduct.”

The oversight body of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Nov. 11 that it will initiate an external investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct against ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan.

Following the emergence of the allegations, the ICC’s internal watchdog conducted an inquiry which concluded within five days.

“An external investigation is therefore being pursued to ensure a fully independent, impartial, and fair process,” the court’s governing body, the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), mentioned in a statement.

The ASP stated that the Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM) will lead the investigation as it possesses “full operational independence” from the ICC and is “competent to investigate such allegations.”

According to the ASP, an external investigation will ensure a “fully independent, impartial, and fair process, in line with the legal framework of the ICC and the IOM.”

The specifics of the investigation are still being finalized.

Khan was identified in October as the individual under investigation for sexual misconduct.

In a statement posted on social media platform X on Oct. 25, Khan declared that there was “no truth to suggestions of such misconduct.”

In a recent statement, Khan expressed his willingness to partake in the investigation process and affirmed that he will not step down during the probe.

“I will continue performing all other functions as Prosecutor, as per my mandate, across situations addressed by the International Criminal Court,” he added.

He also mentioned that he had asked his two deputy prosecutors to handle the matter internally.

Khan previously made headlines for seeking arrest warrants for several Hamas leaders, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

The ICC is a permanent court with the authority to prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and similar offenses. However, it lacks its own police force or the ability to enforce its warrants.

Instead, the court depends on parties acknowledging its jurisdiction to comply with requested arrest warrants. Many governments, including China, Russia, India, and the United States, are not parties to the ICC.

The Epoch Times has reached out to Karim Khan’s office for additional comments.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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