While responding to the claims of sexual misconduct against its Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has started an independent investigation on Tuesday.Â
According to a BBC report, Khan, who refutes the charges, stated that he will continue to perform his duties during the investigation and that he is willing to fully engage in the process.
Khan had initially asked the Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM), the ICC’s watchdog, to look into the claims. On Monday, however, the ICC’s governing board made the decision to pursue a “external investigation.” This decision was made in response to media revelations of a dossier outlining Khan’s alleged abuse and unwanted sexual approaches, among other charges.
Khan issued a statement acknowledging his previous call for an inquiry and expressed his openness to cooperating with the process, adding that he would continue his responsibilities as chief prosecutor. To safeguard impartiality, issues directly related to the investigation will be handled by deputy prosecutors who are not under Khan’s supervision, ensuring the rights of all involved parties are protected.
The Guardian reported that a female lawyer had raised concerns about the IOM’s effectiveness, alleging she had been subjected to unwanted advances by Khan. According to the report, Khan allegedly tried to dissuade the complainant from pursuing her claims, despite advice against private interactions with her. Khan, however, denied attempting to pressure the woman to withdraw her allegations.
Last month, Paivi Kaukoranta, president of the court’s oversight body, stated that the IOM had been in contact with the complainant but was not prepared to initiate an investigation at that time. In her statement on Monday, Kaukoranta defended the IOM’s investigative capabilities but supported the decision for an external inquiry, noting that “given the particular circumstances,” such an approach would ensure a fully independent, impartial, and fair process.
This investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of the ICC and Khan following his recent request for arrest warrants connected to the conflict in Gaza.
