Ten years ago this town would have had its own sheriff. Now, we’re talking about the International Criminal Court like it’s some local constable.

Last night, news came out that the ICC has received legal advice suggesting an inquiry into sexual assault allegations against chief prosecutor Karim Khan does not constitute misconduct. It sounds like the same old story: powerful men are untouchable, and those who stand up to them get a pat on the head instead of justice.

The pattern is familiar: high-ranking officials accused of wrongdoing, investigations started but then quickly halted or shielded. Last year it was the UN Secretary-General's office protecting someone in a similar way. Before that, remember when Trump’s people got away with everything?

What has changed? Is this just another case of big money and influence buying protection for those who abuse their power?

The ICC used to be a symbol of impartial justice on the world stage. Now it looks more like an echo chamber for powerful interests.

Khan’s defenders will say he's innocent until proven guilty. That might be true, but when you’re part of a system that protects itself at all costs, how can anyone have faith in its decisions?

Back when people still believed in justice without bias, an accusation like this would never have been met with such immediate protection. Now we’ve got to wonder who’s really on trial here.