125 countries are gathered in New York to vote on whether the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, should be allowed to keep his job. Norway, represented by State Secretary Kravik, tells Aftenposten that Norway will vote against.
Khan has been accused of sexual harassment, and the investigations have been ongoing for two years. The case has been a major burden on the ICC. The Associated Press has conducted an investigation which concludes that there is substance to the allegations. Khan himself denies having committed any criminal offence.
The dispute has now fractured along political lines. The Palestine-Islam faction supports Khan and maintains that he is the victim of a Western conspiracy – meaning Israel.
It was Khan who had Netanyahu and Yigal Allon placed on an international wanted list for crimes against humanity. Norway has been party to this special treatment of Israel. It has also created tensions within the EU.
If Khan is convicted, the ICC may have an opportunity to chart a new course.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made it crystal clear that the United States will never tolerate the Court pursuing American officials or politicians. The ICC has made several attempts in that direction.
The Trump administration does not allow Khan to enter the United States, and his lawyers say that this constitutes a serious violation of his rights.
Three countries have indicated how they will vote: France, Norway and the Netherlands. All are opposed to Khan remaining in office.
– After a thorough review of the evidence presented to the member states, Norway considers that the conditions for removing Khan from office have been met. We believe it has been proven beyond reasonable doubt that his actions constitute sexual harassment and abuse of power. He is therefore unfit to hold the office of Chief Prosecutor, Kravik writes.
Khan is a British citizen. He has also been expelled from the British Bar Association.
The United States’ “war” against the ICC began under Bush II and was intensified during Trump’s first term. Eight judges and three prosecutors are now subject to entry restrictions.
– In my view, the evidence is sufficiently strong to remove him that I believe he must be removed if the ICC is to retain any credibility, former US Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues Stephen Rapp told France 24.
A majority of the 125 member states must vote in favour of removing Khan.
The consequences of allowing him to remain in office appear considerable.