The chief prosecutor of International Criminal Court (ICC) Karim Khan has taken a leave of absence pending the conclusion of UN-led investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against him, reports Al Jazeera.
Khan’s office said on Friday that he had informed colleagues he would step aside temporarily until the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) wraps up its probe. The OIOS has been conducting the external investigation since December, following complaints raised with the ICC’s oversight body.
The ICC said that Khan would remain on leave until the inquiry concludes, though a timeline for its completion remains unclear. During his absence, the court’s two deputy prosecutors will assume his responsibilities.
Lawyers for Khan said he rejected all claims of wrongdoing and had only stepped aside temporarily due to intense media scrutiny, which had made it difficult for him to carry out his work effectively.
“Our client remains the prosecutor, has not stepped down and has no intention of doing so,” UK-based law firm Carter-Ruck said in a statement.
The ICC said that Khan would remain on leave until the inquiry concludes, though a timeline for its completion remains unclear. During his absence, the court’s two deputy prosecutors will assume his responsibilities.
Lawyers for Khan said he rejected all claims of wrongdoing and had only stepped aside temporarily due to intense media scrutiny, which had made it difficult for him to carry out his work effectively.
“Our client remains the prosecutor, has not stepped down and has no intention of doing so,” UK-based law firm Carter-Ruck said in a statement.
NSA
