The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has temporarily stepped down from his position while a United Nations investigation into alleged inappropriate sexual conduct concludes.
This decision, unprecedented in the history of the ICC, creates uncertainty about the court's leadership at an already critical time, marked by high-profile investigations and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Khan, a British lawyer with extensive experience in international courts, has vehemently denied the accusations. His office explained that he took leave due to media attention that prevents him from focusing on his duties, although he clarified that he hasn't resigned nor plans to do so. His legal team, the Carter-Ruck law firm, reiterated that Khan remains the chief prosecutor and keeps his commitment to the ICC.
In a letter to his team, Khan explained that his decision reflects his "deep and unwavering commitment to the Court's credibility" and seeks to safeguard the integrity of the investigative process.
El abogado escocés ha negado las acusaciones realizadas en su contra
The UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services initiated the investigation in November 2023 after receiving allegations from an assistant who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by Khan in December of the same year.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the woman, in her 30s, stated that Khan touched her inappropriately and later forced her to have sexual relations.
Khan had previously rejected requests from NGOs and ICC employees to step aside during the investigation. However, several human rights groups welcomed his current decision as a crucial step to preserve public trust in the court.
"No one is above the law," stated Danya Chaikel of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). Alix Vuillemin, from Women's Initiatives for Gender Justice, added that Khan's temporary departure could strengthen the professionalism of the prosecutor's office, especially if it involves eradicating a "toxic work culture."
La acusante declaró que la tocó inapropiadamente y luego la forzó a tener relaciones sexuales
During his absence, his two deputy prosecutors will assume his responsibilities. The ICC, based in The Hague, faces decisive moments: it is investigating possible war crimes in both the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war.
It was under Khan's leadership that arrest warrants were issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin for the alleged forced deportation of Ukrainian children, and recently against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Both countries do not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction and reject the accusations.
The ICC's stance on the Gaza conflict provoked strong reactions, including sanctions from the Donald Trump administration against Khan, which has put the court's operability and legitimacy at risk, according to its presidency.
La administración Trump ha aplicado durísimas sanciones contra Khan
Karim Khan, 55, was born in Scotland, is a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim minority and has developed a significant international career. He began as a lawyer in 1992 and specialized in international criminal law in the war crimes tribunals of Yugoslavia and Rwanda.
He has defended controversial figures such as former Liberian President Charles Taylor, Kenyan President William Ruto, and Seif al-Islam, son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Khan assumed the role of chief prosecutor in June 2021 and has led some of the ICC's most sensitive and politically explosive investigations. The outcome of the UN investigation into his conduct will mark a milestone in the court's history and could have deep implications for both his personal leadership and the ICC's institutional credibility.
The exact date of the investigation's conclusion hasn't been announced, although it is expected to be in its final phase following a recent interview with Khan by the investigators.
Khan defendió figuras como el expresidente de Liberia Charles Taylor
