ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Takes Leave as Misconduct Allegations Surface

Karim Khan, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has taken a leave of absence following serious allegations of sexual misconduct. The move comes just days after Khan announced his office was seeking arrest warrants for top Israeli and Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes in Gaza — a move that drew global attention.

The UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services has launched a formal investigation after a colleague accused Khan of coercing her into a non-consensual sexual relationship and attempting to suppress the complaint.

> “This is a deeply troubling development that raises questions about the internal accountability of global institutions,” said one former ICC staffer.

Khan has denied all allegations and maintains that the timing of the claims is politically motivated. Deputy prosecutors have temporarily assumed his duties, but the ICC has not confirmed whether Khan will return once the investigation concludes.

The scandal threatens to cast a shadow over one of the most significant prosecutorial moves in ICC history, as critics now question the integrity of the office at a critical moment in its role on the world stage.