Overview

• Karim Khan, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, has temporarily stepped down pending the conclusion of a UN-led investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
• The allegations, which Khan denies, include claims of coercion and unwanted sexual contact with a female aide over multiple incidents in various countries.
• The UN Office of Internal Oversight Services has been conducting the investigation since November 2024, with no set timeline for its conclusion.
• Khan's decision to take leave follows months of pressure from NGOs and ICC staff, who had called for his temporary suspension to protect the court's credibility.
• The ICC continues to pursue high-profile cases, including arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu, while facing political challenges and U.S. sanctions.