International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Faces Leave Amid Misconduct Investigation

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, has decided to temporarily step down while a sexual misconduct investigation is underway, following serious allegations and heightened scrutiny.

Karim Khan, the high-profile chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), known for pursuing arrest warrants against global leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin, has announced his temporary leave as he faces an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. The court confirmed the decision, stating it follows an increasing demand for his resignation amidst accusations that he sexually harassed a colleague.

Despite consistently denying the allegations, which first surfaced last year, Khan's situation intensified when media reports highlighted details surrounding the investigation. Notably, these reports included claims from the alleged victim that Khan had coerced her into sexual intercourse, a charge he denies vehemently, asserting it to be untrue and defamatory.

In response to the growing calls for accountability, Khan communicated his intention to cooperate fully with the independent investigation initiated by the ICC late last year. This inquiry was ordered to ensure a thorough and unbiased review of the allegations, which date back to October 2024, when they were first reported in a British newspaper. The ICC’s action reflects its commitment to maintaining integrity and fairness in light of troubling conduct claims involving its officials.

Karim Khan's leadership at the ICC has already drawn significant attention for its focus on war crimes related to ongoing global conflicts, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. As the investigation unfolds, his temporary step down raises questions over the impact on the court's function and the cases it is presently handling, including the controversial warrants against Netanyahu and Putin for alleged war crimes.