ICC top prosecutor Karim Khan takes leave until sexual misconduct probe ends

International Criminal Court's lead charismatic Karim Khan has stepped down temporarily connected Friday until nan extremity of UN's intersexual misconduct investigation into his alleged actions against a inferior unit member.

The move is unprecedented, and location are nary clear procedures for replacing him. Khan's agency has told nan media that nan ICC's 2 lawman prosecutors will measurement successful during his absence.

Khan, who has been successful his domiciled astatine nan ICC since 2021, is accused of forcing himself connected nan female adjunct successful a New York edifice room successful December 2023, according to a study from nan Wall Street Journal.

The incident is being investigated arsenic portion of an alleged shape of inappropriate touching, harassment and forced intercourse perpetrated by Khan against his accuser.

The assistant, a lawyer from Malaysia successful her 30s, alleged Khan further forced her into intersexual intercourse against her will while connected missions successful New York, Colombia, Congo, Chad and Paris, arsenic good arsenic his residence astatine nan Hague, according to her grounds reviewed by nan US-based outlet.

Khan's lawyers person said each allegations he committed intersexual unit aliases misconduct are "categorically untrue". In turn, his lawyers person claimed nan lawsuit against him was portion of a broader effort to discredit nan ICC aft Khan issued a warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his erstwhile Defence Minister Yoav Gallant complete their domiciled successful nan Israel-Hamas warfare successful Gaza.

However, nan warrant was issued conscionable 2 weeks aft nan allegations against Khan were formally levelled, which raised questions astir whether it was an effort to sphere his nationalist image.

Khan has besides rejected immoderate links betwixt nan intersexual misconduct probe and nan arguable warrant via his attorneys.

Khan's actions against Israeli officials person led US President Donald Trump to rumor sanctions against him, which ICC President Tomoko Akane said person put nan tribunal successful jeopardy.

UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services study connected Khan's alleged misconduct is expected successful nan coming months, according to reports.