A Stepping Stone: Temporary Departure of ICC Chief Prosecutor Amidst Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Prosecutor Khan steps down temporarily.
In an unprecedented turn of events, the International Criminal Court's (ICC) Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, has taken a temporary leave of absence due to an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
The whirlwind of events began back in December 2022 when a staff member levied accusations of sexual assault against Khan. The United Nations' Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) launched an investigation into these allegations in November 2023. Interestingly, these revelations surfaced just on the heels of the ICC's anticipated actions regarding warrants against Israeli leaders.
Life took an unexpected turn for Khan in May 2024 as he filed for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Joav Galant, amidst the ongoing allegations against him. The calls for Khan to step down due to these allegations had been mounting since early 2024, but Khan initially resisted these demands.
However, on May 16, 2025, Khan informed the court that he would be taking leave until the conclusion of the external investigation. His temporary departure came as a response to the mounting pressure and the need to maintain the court's integrity in the face of serious allegations.
A Bird's Eye View: Timeline of Events
- December 2022: A staff member made an initial report of sexual assault against Karim Khan.
- November 2023: The OIOS initiated an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against Karim Khan.
- November 2023: Details of the allegations surfaced just before the ICC's expected actions on warrants related to Israeli leaders.
- May 2024: Khan applied for arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant.
- Early 2024: Women's rights organizations urged Khan to resign due to the allegations, but he initially resisted these calls.
- May 2025: Karim Khan temporarily stepped down from his position pending the outcome of the investigation into sexual misconduct allegations.
A Closer Look: Key Points
- Allegations: The Malaysian attorney, who made the initial allegations, accused Khan of multiple instances of sexual assault, which Khan has vehemently denied.
- Investigation: The investigation is being led by the OIOS, a UN body.
- Khan's Response: Khan has maintained that he has not resigned and plans to continue as chief prosecutor once the investigation concludes.
- The court's community policy regarding sexual misconduct is being tested as the Hague-based International Criminal Court's Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, temporarily stepped down, facing allegations of sexual misconduct.
- meanwhile, the ongoing investigation by the OIOS into the charges against Khan has brought issues of sexual-health into the spotlight, paralleling the discussion on general-news.
- As the politics surrounding the ICC's investigation unfold, science takes a backseat as health-and-wellness organizations regarding sexual-health and misconduct issues await the outcome of the investigation.
