5/14/2024–|Last updated: 5/14/202411:40 PM (Mecca time)
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, confirmed on Tuesday that he will not yield to the influence of those he described as “the powerful of this world,” in reference to threats targeting him in cases related to the war on Gaza and Ukraine.
During a meeting of the UN Security Council regarding its investigation into war crimes in Libya, the Russian and Libyan ambassadors questioned Karim Khan’s work, denouncing his lack of action in the face of the Israeli attack on Gaza.
Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia said, “One may wonder whether the effectiveness of the International Criminal Court in this regard is not affected by a draft law… aimed at punishing court officials involved in investigations against the United States or its allies,” referring to information reported by the press about a draft law in This trend was accepted by lawmakers in the US Congress.
Karim Khan replied, “I would like to be reassured… We will not succumb to the influence of arrest warrants issued by Russia against me or against any elected members of the court, or from any legislator in any other body with powers,” noting that he had received “threats” personally and against employees of his office to force them On “Stop”.
He added, “We have a duty to fight for justice, and to fight for the victims. I know very well that there are powerful people in this hall who enjoy power and influence, but the law is with us,” stressing that he will carry out his mission “with integrity and independence.”
Arrest warrants
Russia placed Karim Khan on its most wanted list in May 2023, after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin for his role in deporting children from Ukraine.
In early May, the International Criminal Court issued a warning to “individuals who threaten to retaliate against it or its employees, stressing that such measures could constitute an “attack on the course of justice.”
This came in the wake of reports that the court is preparing to issue arrest warrants against members of the Israeli government, which may include Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, due to their responsibility in the devastating war that has been ongoing in Gaza since last October 7.