THE HAGUE — Karim Khan, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has voluntarily stepped aside from his duties while an independent investigation is conducted into allegations of sexual misconduct leveled against him by a former aide. The aide has accused Khan of coerced sexual intercourse, a claim that he has strongly denied, asserting that the allegations are “completely false” and that he will fully cooperate with the inquiry to clear his name.
Khan’s decision to take administrative leave comes at a critical juncture for the ICC, which is currently handling some of its most high-profile and politically sensitive cases, including investigations into alleged war crimes committed during the Israel-Gaza conflict. As Chief Prosecutor, Khan has been the leading force behind recent efforts to pursue legal accountability for actions by Israeli and Hamas officials, drawing both international support and sharp criticism from powerful governments.
Investigation Underway
The ICC’s Oversight Mechanism, the body responsible for internal investigations, confirmed that a formal probe has been launched in response to the accusations. The nature of the investigation and the identity of the accuser have not been officially disclosed, but sources say the allegations involve incidents that allegedly occurred during Khan’s time at the ICC.
In a statement released Thursday, Khan reiterated his innocence:
“I categorically deny the allegations against me. I welcome a full and transparent investigation and have taken the step to go on leave to ensure the integrity of the process and the continued functioning of the Office of the Prosecutor.”Implications for the Court
Khan’s temporary departure leaves the Office of the Prosecutor without its top official at a time when the court is under intense international scrutiny. Under Khan’s leadership, the ICC has taken bolder steps in pursuing cases involving state actors, including recent moves to investigate alleged war crimes in Ukraine, Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Khan, a British lawyer and former UN special adviser, took office as ICC Chief Prosecutor in June 2021, succeeding Fatou Bensouda. Since then, he has focused on expanding the court’s global footprint, tackling impunity, and fast-tracking investigations in conflict zones.
Legal experts warn that the investigation and Khan’s absence could delay proceedings and undermine the credibility of the court, particularly as it faces political pressure from both supporters and critics of its ongoing investigations. The ICC has already come under fire from governments like the United States and Israel, which have historically challenged its jurisdiction and legitimacy.
Acting Leadership and Next Steps
While Khan is on leave, his Deputy Prosecutor, Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji (no relation), is expected to take over the day-to-day operations of the office. The ICC has not indicated how long the investigation may take, but emphasized that it is committed to a “fair and impartial process.”
The case also raises broader concerns about accountability and internal ethics within international institutions. Transparency advocates are calling for the ICC to ensure that its investigation is conducted independently and without interference, especially given the high-profile nature of Khan’s role.
The ICC, established in 2002, is the world’s only permanent international tribunal tasked with prosecuting individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. The court is based in The Hague, Netherlands, and operates with the support of over 120 member states.