ICC’s Chief prosecutor, Karim Khan to step aside in ongoing probe

Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), on Friday, May 16, 2025, decided to take a leave of absence while an external investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against him is ongoing.

The ICC confirmed this decision on Friday, informing staff in the prosecution division that Khan will step aside temporarily until the inquiry concludes and the court can review the findings.

In a formal statement, the Hague-based court announced that Khan had voluntarily chosen to take leave “until the end” of the investigation.

During his absence, his responsibilities will be handled by the ICC’s two deputy prosecutors.

They will manage the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Prosecutor.

Khan, a British lawyer, had faced growing internal criticism in recent months.

This is particularly from senior members of his own team, for refusing to step down while the investigation proceeded.

Many had called on him to take a leave of absence to maintain the integrity of the office during the inquiry.

His initial reluctance drew backlash.

However, the pressure increased significantly after new allegations were reported in the media over the past weekend.

In an internal email sent to ICC staff, which was seen by The Guardian, Khan stated:

“In light of escalating media reports, I have made the considered decision to take leave until the completion of the investigation.”

He assured staff that the deputy prosecutors would continue the work of the office in his absence.

Sources within the court revealed that Khan’s decision followed renewed pressure from senior ICC officials earlier in the week.

These officials urged him to reconsider his stance and temporarily step aside, especially after fresh details regarding the allegations were made public.

The investigation into Khan’s conduct is being carried out by the United Nations’ Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS).

OIOS is an independent body responsible for conducting inquiries involving UN-associated personnel.

The probe was launched in November after serious accusations surfaced concerning Khan’s behavior toward a female colleague.

According to reports, including one by The Guardian, the allegations include:

• instances of unwanted sexual contact,
• prolonged abusive behavior, coercion, and,
• the misuse of his position of authority.

These claims are said to have spanned a significant period while the woman was working under Khan.

Khan, 55, has denied all of the allegations against him.

His legal team has maintained that he strongly refutes the claims and has pledged full cooperation with the investigators.

It is understood that OIOS investigators interviewed Khan for two days last week as part of their ongoing inquiry.

The findings of the investigation will eventually be presented to the president of the Assembly of States Parties, the ICC’s governing body.

While no specific timeline has been confirmed, the report is expected to be submitted in the coming months.

Khan’s decision to step aside, though delayed, is seen as a crucial move to protect the credibility of the ICC during a sensitive and potentially damaging investigation.

His temporary departure also allows the court to function without the complications of ongoing internal controversy while the allegations are thoroughly examined by the independent UN watchdog.

The situation marks a significant moment for the ICC.

This is because it deals with internal accountability at a time when the court is under global scrutiny for its work in prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Khan, who took office in 2021, has played a high-profile role in several major international investigations.

Observers say his absence from the role, however temporary, comes at a delicate time for the institution.

The outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for Khan’s future at the ICC and for the institution’s public reputation as a guardian of international justice.

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