THE Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) yesterday said its work will not be hindered after its chief, Karin Khan, recently took a leave amid an ongoing investigation on allegations of sexual misconduct.
Khan is under investigation by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services.
“The OTP will continue to fully cooperate with this procedure as appropriate. The Office is acutely aware of the duty of care it owes to all staff members and personnel, especially affected individuals,” it said, adding that Khan’s work will be temporarily performed by Deputy Prosecutors Mame Mandiaye Niang and Nazhat Shameem Khan.
“In assuming leadership, the deputy prosecutors underline the importance of ensuring continuity of the Office’s activities across all areas of work, and particularly in its mission to investigate and prosecute the most serious crimes with independence and impartiality,” it added.
The OTP said its office remains committed to ensuring that justice is served to victims of crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide, and the crime of aggression.
Among the cases being handled by the OTP is the crime against humanity filed against former president Rodrigo Duterte stemming from the bloody anti-drug crackdown of his administration.
The 80-year-old Duterte is set to appear before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 on September 23 for the confirmation of the charges.
He first appeared via video link to the chamber on March 14, three days after he was arrested in Manila and flown to the custody of the ICC in the Netherlands.
