Reuters, AFP and Europa Press

La Jornada Newspaper
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, p. 22

Amsterdam. The governing body of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will launch an external investigation into its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, for alleged sexual misconduct, after he was acquitted in an internal process, it reported yesterday.

Khan, who sought arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his now former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and three Hamas leaders accused of war crimes, said in a statement that he will continue in his position on issues unrelated to the investigation.

An external investigation is being carried out to ensure a completely independent processstated in the statement, which also urged all parties to cooperate in the case.

Khan said he will continue in his role, key in overseeing investigations into alleged war crimes, including the conflict between Israel and Hamas, while any matters relevant to the investigation will be handled by deputy prosecutors.

Last month Khan asked the ICC’s own internal oversight body to investigate the allegations against him.

ICC judges are reviewing Khan’s May request for arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas leaders.

Khan, who has headed the ICC prosecution since 2021, said the allegations of misconduct aligned with a disinformation campaign against his office and alleged that both he and the court are victims. from a wide range of attacks and threats for his judicial work.