Karim Khan QC elected next ICC Prosecutor

Written By Cecilia Pechmeze

Karim Khan, QC, was elected on Friday 12 February to become the next Chief Prosecutor to the International Criminal Court.

Mr Khan has significant experience of international criminal law, as prosecutor, defense lawyer and representative for victims before international courts and tribunals, including the ICC. Some of his most important roles include the representation of civil parties before the Extraordinary Courts of the Chambers of Cambodia, the defense of Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. William Ruto, and that of former Vice-President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Jean Pierre Bemba.

At the time of his election, he is also First Special Adviser and Head of the United Nations Team investigating international crimes committed by ISIL / Da’esh (UNITAD).

Mr Khan spoke openly of the challenges he identified for the court, on topics such as the appropriateness of reparations, or the rule lying in Article 54 of the Rome Statute providing for the obligation for the prosecutorial team to investigate exculpatory evidence.

He will take his fonctions on the 16 June 2021.

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Cecilia Pechmeze
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