Karim Khan Takes Leave Amid Investigation

The International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed that Karim Khan, its chief prosecutor, is taking a leave of absence while an investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct is underway. Staff in the prosecutor’s department were informed last Friday that Khan would step aside temporarily until an external investigation could assess the allegations against him.

The court, based in The Hague, noted in a statement that Khan had announced his decision to take this leave until the investigation concludes. Meanwhile, his responsibilities will be managed by other court prosecutors during his absence, according to the statement.

A British lawyer, Khan is facing criticism from several staff members who have urged him to leave until the investigation is completed. In an email to his team, which was seen by a news source, he mentioned the growing media attention and discussed the possibility of taking a leave to allow the investigation to proceed unimpeded.

Khan’s decision to take leave appears to have been influenced by mounting pressure from senior officials at the court, following new media coverage that highlighted further details of the allegations over the weekend. Reports suggested that investigators from the UN have met with Khan and are scheduled to interview him over two days as part of the inquiry.

The investigation was initiated in November when claims emerged regarding the treatment of women on his staff, with allegations including persistent unwanted sexual advances and abuse of authority. Khan’s lawyer has stated that Khan will deny all claims and fully cooperate with the investigation.

The United Nations’ Internal Monitoring Services (OIOS) will compile a report based on their findings, which will then be submitted to the court’s governing body for review. Sources familiar with the inquiry have indicated that the allegations also include instances of Khan allegedly witnessing threats against his staff.

Elected in 2021, Khan is serving a nine-year term as Chief Prosecutor and is responsible for investigating serious crimes like genocide and war crimes. The International Federation of Human Rights has praised his decision to step back, viewing it as a measure to protect the integrity of the court and allow the investigation to unfold without any interference.

During this sensitive period, Khan’s role will be temporarily filled by his deputy prosecutors. As the ICC faces a complicated landscape—including recent US sanctions against Khan tied to an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—the court will continue its operations while the investigation unfolds.

It remains unclear how long Khan’s leave will last, with OIOS investigation interviews still in progress. Should the inquiry determine that Khan has committed serious misconduct, a confidential vote involving the ICC’s 125 member states could decide his future.