Karim Khan, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), is facing serious allegations of sexual harassment. The accusations, which surfaced in October 2024, include claims of unwanted physical contact and coercive behavior. Khan, who has denied the allegations, had requested an internal investigation, but the ICC’s governing body has opted for an external inquiry to ensure transparency and impartiality.
The governing body of the ICC, known as the Assembly of States Parties, has ordered Khan to temporarily step aside from his duties while the external investigation is conducted. The decision comes as part of an effort to maintain the integrity of the process and address concerns about the impartiality of internal oversight mechanisms. The investigation is set to take place at the ICC’s headquarters in The Hague.
While Khan has denied the claims and cooperated with the request for an inquiry, the move to appoint an external investigator highlights the seriousness with which the ICC is approaching the matter. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Khan’s tenure as chief prosecutor and the credibility of the ICC itself.
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