In a significant move, Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has announced a temporary leave of absence as an external investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against him is underway. This decision comes amidst serious accusations, including unwanted sexual touching and abuse, which Khan has denied.
ICC Chief Prosecutor Temporarily Steps Down Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation
ICC Chief Prosecutor Temporarily Steps Down Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation
The head of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, takes leave as a probe into sexual misconduct allegations continues.
Following public calls for him to resign during the investigation, Khan has taken a step back to allow for an independent and thorough review of the claims made against him. In a letter to ICC staff, Khan emphasized his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Court and the investigative process. The probe, initiated last year and led by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services, is ongoing, although the timeline for its conclusion remains uncertain.
An anonymous source revealed to Reuters that Khan recently participated in a final interview with UN investigators. His decision to step down temporarily was also influenced by his earlier request for an internal investigation by the Independent Oversight Mechanism—only to later shift the inquiry to an external body for greater impartiality.
This investigation coincides with heightened scrutiny of Khan and the ICC, especially following his request for arrest warrants related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Notably, this includes demands for action against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which has been met with strong denials from Israel and the US government. This situation has escalated since the US imposed sanctions on ICC officials earlier this year, further complicating the Court's operations.
As the investigation proceeds, Khan’s deputy prosecutors will oversee the office, highlighting the implications of the pending findings for the ICC's reputation and future.
The ICC continues to call for global support for justice and human rights in light of these challenges, underscoring the current critical moment for its integrity and mission.
An anonymous source revealed to Reuters that Khan recently participated in a final interview with UN investigators. His decision to step down temporarily was also influenced by his earlier request for an internal investigation by the Independent Oversight Mechanism—only to later shift the inquiry to an external body for greater impartiality.
This investigation coincides with heightened scrutiny of Khan and the ICC, especially following his request for arrest warrants related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Notably, this includes demands for action against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which has been met with strong denials from Israel and the US government. This situation has escalated since the US imposed sanctions on ICC officials earlier this year, further complicating the Court's operations.
As the investigation proceeds, Khan’s deputy prosecutors will oversee the office, highlighting the implications of the pending findings for the ICC's reputation and future.
The ICC continues to call for global support for justice and human rights in light of these challenges, underscoring the current critical moment for its integrity and mission.
