**Prosecutor Khan to be replaced temporarily by deputies while investigation proceeds**
**ICC Chief Prosecutor Temporarily Steps Down Amid Investigation**
**ICC Chief Prosecutor Temporarily Steps Down Amid Investigation**
**Karim Khan's leave comes as a sexual misconduct probe is underway**
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has decided to take a temporary leave of absence while an external investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against him is ongoing. This decision follows earlier requests for his resignation from various ICC staff and organizations concerned about the integrity of the institution amid mounting scrutiny. Khan's deputy prosecutors will oversee operations during his absence, as stated by the ICC.
The sexual misconduct allegations, which surfaced last year, reportedly include claims of unwanted sexual advances and general abuse. Khan has publicly denied the accusations, which were first reported to the court's governing body in October 2022. As part of the investigation led by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services, sources indicate that Khan communicated with investigators last week to provide further input.
In a letter to his staff, Khan expressed his decision was motivated by a commitment to uphold the credibility of the ICC and to ensure fairness throughout the ongoing process. He initially sought an internal investigation through the ICC's Independent Oversight Mechanism, but the governing body opted for an external review to guarantee impartiality.
This situation arises during a period of heightened scrutiny for the ICC and Khan following his request for arrest warrants related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, targeting prominent individuals such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As Israel is not a member of the ICC, both the Israeli government and Netanyahu vehemently rejected the allegations of war crimes against them.
In response to the allegations made against the ICC, the court has highlighted the impact of sanctions imposed by former US President Donald Trump on its officials, emphasizing a call for global solidarity in support of justice and human rights. The ICC continues to face challenges on multiple fronts as it navigates these complex issues.
The sexual misconduct allegations, which surfaced last year, reportedly include claims of unwanted sexual advances and general abuse. Khan has publicly denied the accusations, which were first reported to the court's governing body in October 2022. As part of the investigation led by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services, sources indicate that Khan communicated with investigators last week to provide further input.
In a letter to his staff, Khan expressed his decision was motivated by a commitment to uphold the credibility of the ICC and to ensure fairness throughout the ongoing process. He initially sought an internal investigation through the ICC's Independent Oversight Mechanism, but the governing body opted for an external review to guarantee impartiality.
This situation arises during a period of heightened scrutiny for the ICC and Khan following his request for arrest warrants related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, targeting prominent individuals such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As Israel is not a member of the ICC, both the Israeli government and Netanyahu vehemently rejected the allegations of war crimes against them.
In response to the allegations made against the ICC, the court has highlighted the impact of sanctions imposed by former US President Donald Trump on its officials, emphasizing a call for global solidarity in support of justice and human rights. The ICC continues to face challenges on multiple fronts as it navigates these complex issues.
