Karim Khan's temporary leave has been necessitated by serious allegations, including unwanted advances and abuse, prompting an external investigation to safeguard the ICC's integrity.
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan Takes Temporary Leave Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan Takes Temporary Leave Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation
The head of the International Criminal Court suspends his duties pending the outcome of an inquiry into sexual misconduct allegations.
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has announced he is stepping aside while a sexual misconduct investigation is ongoing. This decision follows accusations of unwanted sexual touching and abuse, as detailed in an internal document reported by various media outlets.
Khan's leave is set to remain in effect until the conclusion of a probe initiated late last year. During his absence, the prosecutor's office will be managed by his deputy prosecutors. The ICC's official statement highlighted the importance of maintaining the credibility of its operations during this sensitive time.
The allegations against Khan were first reported to the ICC's governing body in October 2022. Despite the claims, Khan has firmly denied any wrongdoing. Amid mounting pressure from several organizations and ICC colleagues for him to step back during the inquiry, this decision reflects a commitment to upholding the integrity of the ICC and ensuring a fair investigation process.
Reports indicate that an external investigation is being led by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services. While it remains uncertain when the inquiry will wrap up, an anonymous source revealed that Khan had a final interview with the UN investigators last week, which is expected to be a crucial part of the investigation.
In correspondence with his staff regarding his temporary leave, Khan emphasized his dedication to the organization. He stated that his choice is made to help preserve the integrity of the court and protect all parties involved.
The investigation comes at a time when Khan and the ICC are facing intense scrutiny, particularly following his requests for arrest warrants related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, including one targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The ICC's accusations have been firmly rejected by Netanyahu and the Israeli government.
Recent months have been turbulent for the ICC, especially following sanctions imposed by former US President Donald Trump on its officials, which contributed to a perception of threats against the court's operations. The ICC has responded by appealing for solidarity from its member states and advocacy for justice and human rights during these challenging times.
