Threats to 15 writers, philosophers in Karnataka: Home Minister orders DG&IGP to provide protection
Bengaluru: More than 15 prominent senior writers and thinkers in Karnataka have united to express their concern over receiving death threats, prompting them to appeal to Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara for immediate action. The delegation of intellectuals, who have been steadfastly advocating against fascism, casteism, and blind faith, has urged the government to address this issue promptly.
Addressing the matter, Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara informed reporters that he had been contacted by the group of writers seeking an audience. He further disclosed that he had directed Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) Alok Mohan and Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda to ensure the safety of the writers and thinkers. This measure has been taken in light of previous incidents within the state that have raised concerns about the security of intellectual voices.
In a formal letter to the Home Minister, Prof. K Marulasiddappa, representing the collective of writers and thinkers, highlighted their consistent efforts to combat social issues and ideological challenges. Prof. Marulasiddappa communicated that since June 2022, the group has been receiving letters containing death threats, causing heightened tension and emotional distress among them. The fear of potential attacks at any unforeseen moment has placed them under constant apprehension.
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Notable figures within the group, including Prof. SG Siddaramaiah, Banjagere Jayaprakash, Vasundhara Bhoopathi, and Kum. Veerabhadrappa, have all reportedly received similar death threats. In light of the gravity of the situation, Prof. Marulasiddappa appealed to the government to treat the matter with utmost seriousness and initiate necessary actions to address the threats and ensure the safety of those targeted.
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ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan takes leave amid sexual misconduct probe linked to UN investigation
Hague: International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has taken a leave of absence pending the outcome of a United Nations investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of authority, the court confirmed on Friday.
Khan, a British barrister elected in 2021, recently made global headlines by seeking arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. His leave comes amid increasing internal pressure from senior ICC staff following the emergence of serious accusations.
The investigation, launched in November 2024 by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), is examining allegations that Khan engaged in unwanted sexual contact, coercive behaviour, and abused his position of authority toward a female subordinate. Additionally, the probe is exploring claims of possible witness intimidation and retaliation against prosecution staff. Khan was reportedly questioned by OIOS investigators over two days last week.
Despite initially resisting calls to step aside, Khan has now informed the court that he will take leave until the inquiry concludes. In his absence, the ICC's two deputy prosecutors—Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal—will assume interim leadership of the Office of the Prosecutor, which oversees around 450 personnel.
The developments come at a particularly sensitive moment for the ICC, which is currently navigating politically charged investigations, including those related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Observers have noted that the timing of the investigation into Khan has raised suspicions of political motivation, particularly following his actions against Israeli officials, though no conclusive evidence has surfaced to support such claims.
The United States, which has previously sanctioned ICC officials, is reportedly considering renewed measures in response to the court's recent actions regarding Israeli leaders. Earlier this year, former U.S. President Donald Trump imposed travel and financial restrictions on Khan.
Once the OIOS completes its investigation, the final report will be submitted to the president of the court’s governing body. If it concludes that Khan committed serious misconduct or violated his official duties, the ICC’s 125 member states will vote via secret ballot on whether he should be removed from office.
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