Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel has called for a wider investigation into the conduct and actions of former International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan following his dismissal from office.
In a letter to Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, Mrs Patel described the allegations of sexual misconduct made against Mr Khan as "deeply concerning" and urged the Government to explain its position following the ICC's decision.
Mr Khan has consistently denied all allegations of misconduct. Through his legal representatives, he has rejected the claims made against him and has indicated that he intends to challenge the ICC's decision to remove him from office.
In her letter, Mrs Patel said:
"The allegations of sexual misconduct against Karim Khan were serious and the testimony we've heard publicly from a victim is harrowing."
She criticised the Government for what she described as its silence on the issue, writing:
"The fact that the UK Government has been silent on this issue is deeply disturbing."
Mrs Patel also asked the Government to disclose how the United Kingdom voted during the ICC Assembly of States Parties, where member states voted to remove Mr Khan from his position as Chief Prosecutor.
Among the questions she posed to the Foreign Secretary were:
- How did the UK vote during the ICC proceedings?
- Were ministers involved in directing the UK's representative?
- Should Mr Khan's dismissal now lead to a wider review of his activities, actions and judgement?
- Does the Government believe reform of the International Criminal Court is now necessary?
Mrs Patel also called for further action to prevent sexual misconduct and exploitation within international organisations, arguing that such cases risk undermining confidence in international institutions.
She wrote:
"Incidents like these undermine trust and confidence and put at risk the important work needed to tackle violence and sexual violence against women and girls."
The International Criminal Court's Assembly of States Parties voted to dismiss Mr Khan following disciplinary proceedings. Mr Khan disputes the allegations against him, maintains his innocence and has indicated that he will challenge the decision through the appropriate legal processes.
At the time of publication, the Government had not publicly responded to Mrs Patel's latest letter.
