The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has stepped aside amid a sexual misconduct investigation. The move comes as the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services completes its inquiry into the allegations.
Khan, who is facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct, has been on administrative leave since last May. The ICC announced the development on Friday, following an internal review and mounting pressure from the United States.
The accusations against Khan include forcible sexual intercourse during missions to various countries, including New York, Colombia, and Paris. One of his former aides, a lawyer from Malaysia, testified to investigators that Khan initiated unwanted sexual contact over several months, coercing her into sex.
Khan has denied the allegations, stating they are “categorically untrue.” However, the ICC’s announcement follows an internal review and comes amid pressure from top officials in countries that are part of the ICC. The future of a case involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant appears uncertain with Khan’s departure.
The International Federation for Human Rights has welcomed Khan’s decision to step aside, saying it is “the only responsible decision” to protect the integrity of the court.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/16/g-s1-67183/icc-karim-khan-sexual-misconduct-investigation-leave