Who Suspends Regional Director Being Investigated For Alleged Racist Remarks
The World Health Organization says its top director in the Western Pacific has been placed on leave. Kasai Takeshi has been the target of a months-long in-house probe. He is accused of making racist remarks.
The WHO made an announcement on Tuesday. It did not give a reason for putting the Japanese doctor on leave or indicate how long he will be suspended.
The WHO launched the in-house probe after some staff members at the Western Pacific office accused Kasai of making racist comments.
Sources at the regional office told NHK Kasai was placed on leave, so that the inquiry can be carried out fairly. The organization does not want the doctor to have an influence on the probe. The sources say no conclusion has been reached yet in the investigation.
Kasai has denied accusations that he discriminated against particular cultures or countries. He said in a statement in February that he intends to fully cooperate with the investigators.
Kasai was appointed regional director in 2019. He was placed in charge of East Asia and the Pacific region. He has spearheaded efforts to counter the coronavirus pandemic, as he is an expert on infectious diseases.
The WHO says Deputy Director-General Zsuzsanna Jakab will temporarily assume Kasai's duties.