The International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing controversy over its prosecution of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, amid allegations of sexual misconduct against ICC prosecutor Karim Khan. Khan, who has aggressively pursued Duterte for his role in the anti-drug war, now finds himself under investigation for alleged sexual abuse by a former assistant. Critics suggest Khan’s focus on Duterte’s prosecution may be an attempt to deflect attention from the personal scandal threatening his career.
Allegations Against Khan: A Personal Scandal
In 2023, Karim Khan became the subject of an investigation following allegations of sexual misconduct by a former assistant, including unwanted sexual advances and inappropriate touching. Although Khan denies the charges, the investigation has cast a shadow over his leadership at the ICC, raising questions about his ability to serve as prosecutor at a time of such global significance.
Timing of the Duterte Prosecution
The timing of Khan’s actions has raised suspicions. Critics note that the intensification of the case against Duterte coincided with the emergence of sexual misconduct allegations against him. Some suggest that focusing on a high-profile figure like Duterte could be Khan’s attempt to shift the media’s attention away from his own legal troubles.
Duterte Case: A Convenient Distraction or Moral Stand?
Duterte’s war on drugs was aimed at creating a drug-free nation, with the intent to save the country from the devastating effects of illegal drugs. While his campaign was viewed as controversial and criticized for human rights violations, many believe it was driven by a desire to address the country’s drug crisis.
Critics argue Khan’s pursuit of Duterte is more about self-preservation than justice, using it to repair his reputation and distract from personal misconduct. Despite framing the prosecution as a moral stand against human rights abuses, Khan failed to act against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, despite Israel’s actions in Gaza being considered worse than Duterte’s war on drugs. This raises questions about Khan’s true motivations.
Khan’s Role in the ICC: Reasserting Authority Amid Scandal
Khan’s aggressive prosecution of Duterte may also be part of a broader effort to assert the ICC’s authority, especially amid resistance from major global powers like the United States and Israel. Some reports suggest that many of the witnesses against Duterte were criminals promised rewards by the Marcos administration, adding further skepticism about the integrity of the case. These factors have complicated the ICC’s already strained reputation, making Khan’s actions appear more politically motivated than judicial.
Political Context: Marcos’s Role and the ICC’s Legitimacy
The political implications of the Duterte case have been amplified by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s cooperation with the ICC, despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court. Critics question whether Marcos’s decision was politically motivated, either to appease international powers or to distance his administration from Duterte’s controversial policies.
By Carlos Mendoza, a political analyst based in the Philippines. He can be reached at Carlos.Mendoza@gmail.com.
