ICC Launches Independent Investigation into Alleged Misconduct by Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan

den haag - The International Criminal Court (ICC) based in The Hague is conducting an independent investigation into the alleged sexual misconduct by Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, according to sources.

An independent investigation has been launched by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to look into alleged sexual misconduct by Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, as reported by sources to Reuters. One of the sources mentioned that the decision was made on Thursday.

There is also a circulating internal memo that has been sent to the court's member states, although it is undated and not signed. The memo calls on Khan to temporarily step down from his duties while the investigation is ongoing. The prosecutor's office directed inquiries for comments to Khan's lawyers, who have not yet responded.

Recent reports by international media have already highlighted the alleged misconduct by Khan. The court's overarching organization, comprised of member states, had previously indicated that a complaint had indeed been received, but after a conversation with the alleged victim, it was decided not to pursue further investigation. The current internal memo circulating suggests that such an investigation should have taken place.

The misconduct is said to have occurred over a twelve-month period towards a close colleague and lasted until last April. Khan had previously denied the reports of misconduct and recently called for an internal inquiry himself.

The accusations against Khan come at a sensitive time as court judges are currently considering his request to issue arrest warrants against Israeli leaders over the war in Gaza. Opponents of the court have been trying to exploit the allegations in their favor in the past few days.