ICC Under Pressure as Search Begins for New Prosecutor

The International Criminal Court (ICC) faces the task of appointing a new chief prosecutor following the dismissal of Karim Khan over allegations of serious misconduct.

A successor is not expected to be selected until early next year. Until then, the prosecutor's office will be led by deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal.

The search for a new prosecutor comes amid growing pressure from the United States. Washington is calling on the ICC to revoke arrest warrants issued for Israeli officials in connection with the war in the Gaza Strip and to end its investigation into alleged crimes committed by US soldiers. According to Reuters, the US is also considering encouraging other countries to withdraw from the court.

On Monday, Chad became the fifth country in recent months to begin the formal process of withdrawing from the ICC. Venezuela, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have already taken the same step. Chad and Venezuela have accused the court of disproportionately targeting non-Western countries.

The European Union, the Netherlands and Japan have reaffirmed their support for the ICC and expressed concern over the US position but have not announced any concrete measures to strengthen the court. Legal experts say the appointment of the next chief prosecutor will be an important test of the institution's credibility.

(Reuters, est)