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The International Criminal Court (ICC) Monday announced it will launch an external probe into its Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, following allegations of sexual misconduct.
The rare move by the court aims for a transparent and independent investigation. Khan has previously denied any wrongdoing.
For many Kenyans, Khan is a familiar figure with a complex history in the country’s legal and political arena. He first gained national attention in Kenya when he served as defense counsel for President William Ruto in his ICC trials. These cases stemmed from the 2007-2008 post-election violence (PEV), a crisis that claimed over 1,000 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands following a disputed presidential election. The ICC took on the case, seeking justice for the victims. Ruto and Kenyatta were among those charged with crimes against humanity.
Khan argued for his Kenyan clients, maintaining that they were unfairly targeted by politically charged investigations. His defense helped bring about the eventual dismissal of charges for Ruto. The court cited insufficient evidence. However, many victims and activists in Kenya expressed frustration over the case’s collapse and cast doubt on the court’s impartiality.
Now, as the ICC’s Chief Prosecutor, Khan has faced renewed challenges. Recently, he requested arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s defense minister, and senior Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Khan suggested that the misconduct allegations align with a broader campaign to undermine his credibility, especially as he tackles highly charged cases. The ICC’s governing body said that the external probe will be conducted with complete independence and urged all parties to fully cooperate.
The ICC prosecutes cases of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in its member states. Since its founding in 2002, the court has been a controversial institution, often criticized for focusing on African leaders.
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