Allegations of sexual misconduct against Karim Khan remain under review by the executive branch of the International Criminal Court, according to an internal memo shared with staff and seen by Reuters. The development comes as the court faces mounting scrutiny and institutional strain amid overlapping legal and political challenges.
Karim Khan, who oversees investigations into war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, has temporarily stepped aside pending the outcome of the inquiry. The accusations involve an alleged non-consensual sexual relationship with a lawyer within his office, claims he has firmly denied. His legal team stated that an external panel of judges had conducted a detailed review and unanimously concluded that the findings did not establish misconduct or a breach of duty.
The final decision now rests with the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties, the ICC’s governing body, which is expected to assess the panel’s conclusions. However, the report itself has not been made public, and the process remains confidential. Paivi Kaukoranta emphasized in a memo that no decisions have yet been taken and cautioned against drawing conclusions from media speculation.
The investigation follows a year-long inquiry conducted by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services, which submitted its findings to the Bureau in December. Despite reports suggesting that Karim Khan may have been cleared, ICC officials have declined to confirm any outcome, maintaining that the disciplinary process is still ongoing.
The situation has unfolded alongside heightened geopolitical pressure on the court. The United States has imposed sanctions on ICC prosecutors and judges, including Karim Khan, in response to investigations into alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza. These probes have led to high-profile indictments, including that of Benjamin Netanyahu, intensifying tensions between the court and major global powers.
