In brief
The ICC's head prosecutor Karim Khan has temporarily stepped down amid an inquiry into sexual misconduct allegations, maintaining his innocence.
Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has announced he will take a leave of absence as an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against him unfolds. Known for securing arrest warrants for figures like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Khan has repeatedly denied claims of harassment made by a female colleague.The allegations surfaced last year, with reports suggesting attempts to suppress these claims were made by Khan. In November, the ICC initiated an independent investigation to ensure a fair process. As scrutiny increased, the pressure mounted for Khan to temporarily step aside, especially after a Wall Street Journal article reported more serious testimony about the alleged misconduct.Khan has pledged to cooperate with the investigation and continues to assert that he has done nothing wrong, calling the allegations unfounded.
