Speaking in a recent interview, Khan said Graham made the remark during discussions surrounding the ICC’s pursuit of arrest warrants related to Israeli officials. According to Khan, the senator told him: “This court is for Africa and thugs like Putin; it is not for democracies like Israel and the United States.”
The statement has drawn attention because it touches on a long-running debate over the ICC’s authority, selectivity and political pressure surrounding investigations into powerful states and their allies. The ICC has previously issued arrest warrants in cases involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, while its actions regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have triggered strong reactions from Washington and other capitals.
Khan’s comments also come after a period of scrutiny over sexual misconduct allegations made against him. He had denied wrongdoing, and recent reports say an investigation found insufficient evidence to prove misconduct beyond the required standard, though the issue has remained politically sensitive within ICC member states.
The remarks attributed to Graham are likely to further fuel criticism that international justice mechanisms face unequal treatment when cases involve Western allies. Supporters of the ICC argue that the court must apply international law consistently, regardless of the country or political power involved. Critics, particularly in the United States and Israel, have long challenged the court’s jurisdiction and accused it of overreach.
The controversy underscores the growing tension between international legal institutions and geopolitical power politics, especially as the ICC continues to handle high-profile cases linked to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
