International Criminal Court Announces External Investigation into Chief Prosecutor
The Facts
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is beginning an external investigation into its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
In a statement released Monday, the ICC's President of the Assembly of States Parties claimed that, despite confidence in the Court's own Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM), a "fully independent, impartial, and fair process" from an external adjudicator would be conducted.
The Spin
Narrative A
Being the face of the ICC and its ideals of international justice, the allegations against Khan are not only a stain against him as an individual, but undermine the integrity of the court. In order to restore trust in this institution, which has been tasked with protecting the sanctity of the rule of law, a full and transparent external investigation against Khan is the right course of action.
Narrative B
The accusations against Khan are likely part of a smear campaign against a lawyer controversial only for his intent to hold international leaders accountable for their actions. Any investigation should not only include the allegations made against the prosecutor, but also the origins of the suspicious claims made in the first place.
