The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, is facing accusations of misconduct related to harassment claims involving a female colleague, The Mail on Sunday reported on Sunday. This revelation comes amid controversy surrounding Khan's recent request for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged crimes against humanity in Gaza.
According to The Mail on Sunday investigation, in the two weeks preceding Khan's announcement, he was subject to internal scrutiny at the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands. Sources claim that a female official at the court made allegations about Khan's conduct to a colleague, who then informed senior managers. The woman was reportedly so distressed that she was in tears.
The Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM), responsible for investigating misconduct allegations at the court, questioned the alleged victim. However, she chose not to file a formal complaint. The IOM decided against launching an investigation and instead recommended undisclosed measures "to safeguard everyone's rights."
Khan, 54, vehemently denied any wrongdoing and suggested a deliberate smear campaign. He stated, "I absolutely can confirm there is no truth to suggestions of misconduct." He added that he and the court were being subjected "to a wide range of attacks and threats."
Paivi Kaukoranta, president of the Assembly of States Parties overseeing the court, confirmed awareness of the allegations. She stated, "Following the conversation with the alleged victim, the IOM was not in a position to proceed with an investigation at that stage." Kaukoranta emphasized the court's zero-tolerance policy towards prohibited conduct, including harassment and discrimination.
The controversy surrounding Khan intensified after his May 20 announcement requesting arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, along with Hamas leaders Yahiya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh. This move sparked widespread condemnation.
US president Joe Biden responded forcefully, stating, "Let me be clear: whatever this prosecutor might imply, there is no equivalence – none – between Israel and Hamas." Netanyahu called it a "moral outrage of historic proportions," while Gallant branded it "despicable."
The UK government initially issued a legal challenge questioning the ICC's jurisdiction over Israeli citizens. However, the Labour government later stated it would not object to Khan's request, saying the warrants were a matter for the courts to decide. This shift in stance was criticized by Jewish groups, with Labour Friends of Israel calling it "deeply disappointing."
Despite the allegations, Khan maintains his innocence and expresses willingness to cooperate with any IOM investigation. He stated, "I have worked around the world for 30 years and there has never been such a complaint lodged against me by anyone."
Khan emphasized his support for victims of sexual harassment or abuse, encouraging survivors to come forward. He concluded, "I have always been supportive of a proactive approach in this regard."
