Romanian judge Iulia Motoc-one of the three judges presiding over the decision of whether to issue an arrest warrant against Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu-wrote a letter asking the court to “remove” her from the case “based on medical grounds.”
Amidensthe brewing tensions in West Asia, the presiding judge of the International Criminal Court panel who was considering the request to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has been replaced.
On Friday, the international court published the decision and stated that the judge was being replaced on medical grounds.
Romanian judge Iulia Motoc, one of the three judges presiding over the case, sought her recusal on medical grounds and because of her responsibility for ensuring proper judicial administration.
The court said that “the personal medical situation of Judge Modoc is entitled to medical confidentiality.” Meanwhile, further delay in the decision related to the request made by chief prosecutor Karim Khan by the court is expected now.
Who will replace Motoc in the case?
The ICC said Motoc was replaced by Beti Hohler, a Slovenian judge elected last year. Hohler previously served as a trial lawyer in the court’s prosecution office.
Friday’s announcement occurred amid floating accusations that Khan had tried for more than a year to coerce a female aide into a sexual relationship and groped her against her will.
