Karim Khan, the International Criminal Court prosecutor, made headlines on Monday when he announced his intention to apply for arrest warrants for leaders of Israel and Hamas. Known for his expertise in international law and his tough litigation skills, Khan has had a long and distinguished career in the field.
A British litigator, Khan took over as chief prosecutor of the I.C.C. in June 2021, after serving in various roles at international courts. He has represented high-profile clients such as Seif al-Islam el-Qaddafi and Charles Taylor, and has worked on war crimes issues in countries like Rwanda, Cambodia, and Iraq.
One of Khan’s notable cases was his defense of William Ruto, now the president of Kenya, in a trial related to post-election violence. Despite facing challenges such as witness interference and political meddling, Khan’s reputation remained untarnished.
Upon his election as prosecutor, Khan surprised many by deprioritizing an investigation into American forces’ abuse of prisoners in Afghanistan, focusing instead on crimes by the Taliban and Islamic State. He also initiated an investigation into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, obtaining an arrest warrant for President Vladimir V. Putin.
Critics have accused Khan of a double standard in his handling of investigations related to Israel and Hamas, citing lack of progress and cooperation. However, Khan has defended his actions, pointing out the challenges he has faced in gaining access to Gaza and conducting thorough investigations.
In a bold move, Khan announced his request for arrest warrants for top Israeli officials and Hamas leaders, breaking from the usual protocol of waiting for judges to decide. He also disclosed a list of experts he consulted, showcasing the legal support for his decision.
Christine van den Wyngaert, a veteran jurist, praised Khan for his thorough approach and attention to detail, suggesting that he may be more cautious than his predecessors in building strong cases.
Khan’s announcement has sparked debate and controversy, but it also highlights his commitment to seeking justice and holding leaders accountable for alleged crimes. As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on Karim Khan and the International Criminal Court.
