The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed that its Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, has taken a voluntary administrative leave to allow an external investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
The claims involve a former staff member who accused Khan of coercive behavior and inappropriate physical conduct.
Khan, who previously served as legal counsel for President William Ruto during his ICC trial, is now facing intense international scrutiny, with the United Nations’ Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) taking over the investigation.
According to court insiders and multiple international news agencies, the allegations first surfaced in 2024 but were not formally pursued by the alleged victim.
Nevertheless, an internal review recommended Khan reduce interactions with the concerned individual , a suggestion that reportedly went unheeded.
The ICC said in a statement that “Prosecutor Karim Khan has voluntarily stepped aside from his duties pending the outcome of an independent investigation, to safeguard the integrity of the Office and ensure transparency.”
In the interim, Khan’s responsibilities will be shared between Deputy Prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang, who will oversee key cases including the court’s ongoing probes into war crimes in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan.
Karim Khan has denied the allegations and stated he will fully cooperate with the investigation.
“I categorically deny any wrongdoing and welcome the opportunity to clear my name through a fair, transparent process,” Khan said in a statement issued through the ICC.
The prosecutor, a British national and Queen’s Counsel, has served in his ICC role since 2021 and is widely known for pursuing high-profile cases, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Human rights organizations and legal experts have praised the ICC for allowing external oversight in the matter but warned that the court’s credibility is on the line.
“This moment demands institutional courage,” said Geraldine Mayamba, a legal scholar on international justice.
“Regardless of outcome, the ICC must show the world it holds even its most powerful actors accountable.”
Others have expressed concern about potential disruptions to the court’s heavy workload, especially as it handles politically sensitive investigations and prosecutions.
Khan’s ties to Kenyan politics especially his former role as defense counsel for President Ruto during his ICC case, have reignited political debate in Nairobi.
Some opposition figures have questioned the independence of his past legal work, though no link has been made between the current allegations and his work in Kenya.
