ICC chief asks for probe into workplace behavior claims
International Criminal Court prosecutor initiates internal review after staff member reports inappropriate conduct. Request comes during crucial Gaza-related legal preparations
Karim Khan‚ International Criminal Courts top prosecutor made a self-initiated request for an internal investigation about 5 months after workplace misconduct claims surfaced
The allegations emerged while the court was working on high-profile Gaza case — preparing potential charges against Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leadership (which shows the sensitive timing of these developments)
Two co-workers reported that a female staff member told them about unwanted advances: the claims include inappropriate physical contact and attempts to pressure her into an intimate relationship. The reports came up during mid-2024; when ICC was deep into its work on Middle-east related matters
The timing of Khans request coincides with ICCs increased focus on:
- Gaza conflict investigations
- Potential charges preparation
- Regional diplomatic efforts
The prosecutors decision to ask for a review shows the courts need to handle internal matters — even during complex international cases
