Karim Asad Ahmad Khan KC (King’s Counsel) is a British barrister and international criminal law specialist, currently serving as the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). He assumed office on June 16, 2021, succeeding Fatou Bensouda.

Khan’s career in international law spans decades, involving him in some of the world’s most high-profile and complex cases. Prior to his role at the ICC, he served as the Special Adviser and Head of the UNITAD (United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL) in Iraq. In this capacity, he led a team responsible for collecting evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed by ISIS/ISIL, laying the groundwork for future prosecutions.

Before his UN appointment, Khan had extensive experience as a defense lawyer, representing individuals accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity before the ICC, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). He has represented prominent figures, including Charles Taylor, the former President of Liberia, in his landmark trial before the Special Court for Sierra Leone.

His experience as a defense lawyer has inevitably shaped his approach as Prosecutor. While some see his background as a source of potential bias, Khan has emphasized his commitment to impartiality and to upholding the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. He has stated his intention to focus on cases that fall squarely within the ICC’s jurisdiction and to prioritize investigations and prosecutions that will have the greatest impact on deterring future atrocities.

Since taking office, Khan has been particularly active, initiating investigations into alleged crimes in several regions, including Ukraine. His decision to focus on the situation in Ukraine, particularly following the Russian invasion in 2022, has placed the ICC and Khan himself in the global spotlight. He has repeatedly called for access to crime scenes and urged all parties to the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law. He issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian commissioner for children’s rights, for the war crime of unlawful deportation of children from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation.

Khan’s tenure has not been without its challenges. The ICC faces criticisms regarding its perceived focus on African nations, its limited resources, and the lack of cooperation from certain states. Furthermore, his predecessor’s investigations into the situation in Palestine and alleged war crimes by US personnel in Afghanistan remain sensitive and controversial. Khan’s ability to navigate these challenges, build trust with all stakeholders, and ensure the ICC’s continued relevance in the pursuit of international justice will be crucial to his success as Prosecutor.

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