ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Cleared of Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The Hague. International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has been cleared of sexual misconduct allegations. According to a report published by Middle East Eye, an investigation conducted by a panel of three judges concluded that there was no truth to any of the allegations leveled against Khan.

The team of judges submitted a confidential report to the Bureau of the Assembly of State Parties (ASP), the court's oversight body, on March 9, exonerating Khan. The report stated that factual findings made by the United Nations' internal oversight service office did not confirm that Khan engaged in any form of misconduct or breach of duty.

The ASP President ordered this investigation in November 2024 after a female employee in Khan's office accused him of sexual misconduct. Later, another woman also claimed that Khan had mistreated her by abusing his power and position. That woman complained to the British newspaper 'The Guardian' about Khan's behavior, calling it continuous pressure.

Karim Khan had denied these allegations from the beginning. He took voluntary leave starting last May until the investigation results were available. Deputy Prosecutors have been managing the office's responsibilities in his absence. According to ICC rules, if no misconduct is confirmed, this investigation process will now be completely closed.

Such allegations against Khan surfaced at a time when his office was investigating alleged war crimes and genocide committed by Israeli officials in Gaza. Khan had sought arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Furthermore, Khan had also sought arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials for the illegal deportation of children during the Ukraine war.