The ICC's executive Bureau is continuing a confidential review of sexual misconduct allegations against Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters. Khan has temporarily stepped aside and denies wrongdoing while an outside panel's findings and a year-long OIOS fact-finding report are considered. Khan's lawyers say a panel of judges found the factual record did not establish misconduct, but the Bureau has yet to make a decision. The probe unfolds alongside U.S. sanctions tied to the ICC's Gaza investigation.
ICC Says Allegations Against Chief Prosecutor Still Under Review, Memo Shows
International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan talks during an interview with Reuters in The Hague, Netherlands January 16, 2025. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — An internal memo circulated to staff and seen by Reuters says allegations of sexual misconduct against International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan remain under review by the court's executive arm, the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties.
Khan, who leads investigations into war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, has temporarily stepped aside while an inquiry examines claims of a non-consensual sexual relationship with a lawyer in his office. He has denied any wrongdoing.
What the Memo Says
The memo, reviewed by Reuters, reiterates that the disciplinary process before the Bureau is ongoing and confidential. No decisions have been taken, and staff were urged not to give weight to media speculation.
"The disciplinary process before the Bureau is ongoing and remains confidential. No decisions have been taken, and no weight should be given to recent media speculation," Assembly President Paivi Kaukoranta wrote in the memo.
Panel Findings and Next Steps
Khan's lawyers said an external panel of judges prepared a unanimous, reasoned analysis concluding that the factual findings do not establish misconduct or a breach of duty, and that the Bureau — described by the lawyers as "politicians" — must now consider the panel's assessment. The substance of the panel's report has not been released publicly.
Separately, the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) completed a year-long confidential fact-finding inquiry and delivered its report to the Bureau in December.
Broader Context
The investigation into Khan's conduct comes amid U.S. sanctions against him and other ICC officials linked to the court's probe of alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza — an investigation that led to an indictment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The sanctions and Khan's temporary absence have intensified scrutiny of the court.
The ICC, which has 125 member states, does not include China, Russia or the United States among its members; all three have previously objected to arrest warrants sought by Khan against sitting leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
No final determination has been announced by the Bureau. The court, the Office of the Prosecutor and the Assembly of States Parties did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment outside normal office hours.
(Reporting by Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Alexander Smith)
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