The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has been placed on suspension as member nations weigh potential disciplinary action following the completion of an investigation into sexual misconduct claims, Reuters and the Associated Press report.
This development comes after an 18-month investigation examining accusations that Khan participated in unwanted sexual contact with a female attorney employed within his office. Khan has consistently rejected these accusations.
A diplomatic source told Reuters that the ICC’s governing body determined Khan had participated in serious and inappropriate behavior. The ultimate decision now lies with the court’s 125 member nations, who will cast votes during an upcoming session that remains unscheduled.
Information from the investigation was also covered by the Associated Press, which obtained access to a document created by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services.
Based on the document referenced by the AP, Khan engaged in “nonconsensual sexual contact with (the aide) in his office, at his private residence, and whilst on mission.”
The ICC’s bureau stated it had made a determination concerning disciplinary action against Khan and forwarded the issue to the Assembly of States Parties. The bureau kept the details of its determination private.
“The decision of the Bureau and the related documentation will remain confidential,” the bureau stated in a press release.
Khan’s attorneys contested both the investigation’s conclusions and the suspension procedures.
“The decision is unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence,” the attorneys’ statement said.
The matter now advances to the Assembly of States Parties, whose representatives will decide the next steps.
During Khan’s time in office, notable actions included issuing arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
