The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday, November 11 announced an external investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct against its Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan.

Päivi Kaukoranta, the President of ICC’s Assembly of States Parties (ASP), said they opted for an external investigation to avoid any conflict of interest.

This despite the fact that the Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM) being competent to investigate such allegations, because it exercises full operational independence from the Hague-based court and reports directly to the ASP.

“However, given the particular circumstances of this case, including the IOM’s victim-centred approach, and perceptions of possible and future conflicts of interest, the IOM has indicated that it has no objection to exceptionally resorting to an external investigation,” Kaukoranta said in a statement.

Kaukoranta said that an external investigation will ensure a fully independent, impartial and fair process, in conformity with the legal framework of the ICC and the IOM and following a victim-centred approach.

Khan, who was quick to deny these allegations, said he would cooperate fully with the investigations and continue in his role while the investigation was ongoing.

Media reports, back in October this year, cited a document outlining accusations against Khan, which included unwarranted sexual touching and “abuse”.

According to United Kingdom’s Guardian newspaper, a female lawyer who was subjected to “unwanted sexual advances” by Khan, over an extended period of time and in various locations, had concerns about the IOM’s competence.

Previously, Khan did has juxtaposed the sexual misconduct allegations and efforts to undermine his position, describing it as “a moment in which myself and the International Criminal Court are subject to a wide range of attacks and threat”.