ICC says that Karim Khan will take a leave pending the conclusion of an investigation led by non-divided on allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies.
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, took leave pending the conclusion of an investigation led by non-divided on allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
Khan’s office said on Friday that he had informed colleagues that he would temporarily retire until the internal surveillance services office (OIOS) heard his probe. The OIOS has been carrying out the external survey since December, following complaints raised to the CPI supervisory organization.
The ICC said Khan would stay on leave until the end of the investigation, although a schedule for its completion remains uncertain. During his absence, the two assistant prosecutors of the Court will assume his responsibilities.
Khan’s lawyers said that he had rejected all the allegations of reprehensible acts and had only temporarily withdrew due to an intense media exam, which had made him difficult to do his work effectively.
“Our client remains the prosecutor, did not resign and does not intend to do so,” said British law firm Carter-Ruck in a statement.
Khan’s decision to be temporarily withdrawn from months of increasing pressure from human rights groups and some judicial leaders, who exhorted him to withdraw during the continuation of the investigation.
“The recovery helps to protect the credibility of the court and the confidence of the victims, the staff and the public. For the alleged victim and the denunciators, it is also a moment of recognition and dignity, “said Danya Chaikel of the Human Rights Driver Fidh.
The court has not confirmed when the OIO investigation ends, but the case comes at a global control time on the role and credibility of the ICC.
High level surveys
The decision comes as the court pursues large -scale investigations, notably on the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the War of Israel against Gaza.
Khan asked arrest mandates against Russian President Vladimir Putin for the alleged illegal deportation of Ukrainian children and for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The United States, a vocal critic of the recent moves of the Court, imposed sanctions in Khan for its pursuit of Israeli officials. The CPI management has since warned that such political attacks could endanger the survival of the institution.
