**ICC Chief Prosecutor Takes Leave Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation**

**The ICC's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has temporarily stepped down during a sexual misconduct investigation, with his deputy prosecutors managing the office in his absence. This move follows various allegations against him, raising important questions about the court's credibility.**

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has made the decision to temporarily step down while an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against him is ongoing. The external probe, which commenced late last year, will be led by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services. During Khan's absence, his deputy prosecutors will assume responsibilities for the office.

Accusations detailed in previously circulated documents include claims of unwanted sexual touching and other forms of misconduct, which Khan has firmly denied. Reports regarding these allegations were forwarded to the ICC's governing body in October of the previous year. In light of the unfolding situation, various organizations and staff members within the ICC have urged Khan to relinquish his position during the inquiry.

As the extent and timeline of the investigation remain unclear, Khan reportedly engaged in a final interview with UN investigators last week, as disclosed by an anonymous source. In a letter to his staff that Reuters has obtained, Khan affirmed that his temporary leave is motivated by a deep commitment to maintain the integrity of the ICC and its processes. “My decision is driven by deep and unwavering commitment to the credibility of our Office and the Court, and to safeguard the integrity of the process and fairness to all involved,” he stated.

Following the emergence of these allegations, Khan had initially sought to have the ICC's Independent Oversight Mechanism conduct an investigation. The court's governing body ultimately opted for an external inquiry to ensure that the process remains independent and impartial.

This investigation unfolds amidst heightened scrutiny of the ICC and Khan himself, particularly after the issuance of arrest warrants relating to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. These warrants included one for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning allegations of war crimes in Gaza. It's important to note that Israel is not a member of the ICC, and both Netanyahu and his government have vehemently rejected the claims. In response to these developments, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on ICC officials, actions that the ICC described as threats to its operations, calling on member states and civil society to unite in defense of justice and human rights.